NAIROBI, Kenya, June 11 – Kenya’s Madaraka Express marked its 8th anniversary with a renewed focus on expanding cargo and passenger transport, reinforcing its role in powering economic growth.
Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga said cargo volumes on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) are projected to rise 30 percent to hit 7 million tonnes in 2025, while passenger numbers are expected to grow to 2.6 million.
He cited the SGR’s role in easing road congestion and supporting trade across key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan lauded the SGR as a cornerstone of China–Kenya cooperation, highlighting its alignment with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The Mombasa–Nairobi line was built by China Road and Bridge Corporation at a cost of Sh327 billion, 90 percent of which was funded through a loan from China’s Exim Bank.
