Kenya Railways’ Revival: From Economic Struggles to Major Reforms
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Kenya Railways has undergone a remarkable transformation from near collapse to becoming a key player in the country’s transport sector. Between 2003 and 2006, the corporation faced severe economic challenges, struggling to pay its employees, with many staff members leaving for jobs in the private sector.
In 2006, the government took drastic measures to restructure the struggling corporation, placing all its operations under the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) Consortium. However, this move resulted in massive job losses, affecting thousands of families. In response, the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme (KRSRBS) was established to support affected employees while efforts were made to revitalize the corporation.
According to Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, the corporation has faced significant hurdles over the years. From its role as a symbol of colonial rule to becoming a crucial part of Kenya’s independence struggle, Kenya Railways has played a vital role in the country’s history.
By 2008, the government had reclaimed operations from RVR, with Mainga and his team focusing on policies aimed at making the corporation financially viable. Leveraging his expertise in economics and extensive training in the UK, U.S., and China, Mainga played a key role in mainstreaming Kenya Railways as a regional transport giant. He was also instrumental in negotiations for the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line.
The corporation’s turnaround gained momentum in 2019 with the rehabilitation of the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR). The restoration of major railway lines, including the Mombasa-Malaba route, was a significant achievement.
“Today, we have revived all our lines except for Taveta. We are currently operating trains to Kitale, Nyahururu, Butere, Nanyuki, and Kisumu,” Mainga said in a recent interview.
The Nairobi commuter rail system has also seen significant improvements, increasing from just one train per day to nine, transporting over 3,000 passengers daily. Currently, an estimated 30-40% of people commuting to and from Nairobi rely on train services. Additionally, the corporation has expanded its operations along the Mombasa-Nairobi route and activated the Mai Mahiu line.
Freight services have also improved, supporting economic growth through increased cargo transportation. Looking ahead, Kenya Railways is focused on the implementation of the Nairobi Railway City project, launched in 2023 with support from the United Kingdom.
The project will see the development of a 425-acre urban hub located between Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, and Bunyala Road. It will include transit stations, commercial spaces, and residential areas, aiming to decongest Nairobi’s central business district by shifting businesses to special economic zones within the new development.
“All designs and plans are ready, including the new Nairobi Central Station and commercial facilities. The bridge connecting the CBD to the Industrial Area is nearly complete and will be ready in the next two months,” Mainga confirmed.
Additionally, Kenya Railways has commenced the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed SGR extension to Kisumu, signaling further expansion of the country’s railway infrastructure.
With continued investments and modernization, Kenya Railways is positioning itself as a crucial driver of economic growth and an efficient transport alternative for both passengers and cargo.
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