China is currently financing 85 percent of the SGR 2A line from Nairobi to Naivasha that is currently under construction valued at Sh150 billion.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar – 19 Chinese officials and Kenya Railways Cooperation say the construction of Standard Gauge Railway phase 2A should be complete by May 31st 2019.
Acting Kenya Railways Cooperation Managing Director Philip Mainga said the project is currently 90 per cent complete with five newly built stations at Ongata Rongai, Ngong, Mai Mahiu, Suswa and Nachu.
“We have made substantial progress in the construction of phase 2A of the SGR and so far we have laid track on an 86 kilometres stretch. We expect the project to be complete by June this year,” Mainga said on Monday during a tour of the project.
Speaking at the Chinese Embassy, Mainga said major civil works on SGR phase 2A project like the construction of a six-kilometre super bridge along Nairobi National Park, tunnels and culverts have been completed.
“The final phase will involve fencing and installation of signal system. We are also building five intermediate stations and 90 percent of the civil works has been accomplished,” said Mainga.
SGR phase 2A will connect people and cargo to a proposed industrial park in Naivasha leading to job creation and growth of businesses along its corridor.
The impact of the SGR phase 2A has also been extended to local suppliers where procurement of goods such as cement, steel and oil have increased insignificantly.
Line Phase 2A that will pass through Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Nakuru and Narok. It is 15 per cent financed by the government and 85 per cent by the China Export Import ank.
Chinese officials also urged the Kenyan Government to cut the number of days it takes for foreigners to register a business in Kenya after Beijing reduced the process from 22 days to three days.
The Charge d’affaires in the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, Li Xuhang said the reciprocal move will facilitate trade and ease of doing business between the two countries.
