Chinese built Nairobi-Naivasha railway 80 pct completed, Installation of signal system left

Construction of the second phase of the Nairobi-Naivasha standard gauge railway is currently in the last phase. According to the officials, it is likely to be launched on schedule.

The implementation started in October 2016. According to the acting managing director of Kenya Railways Corporation, Philip Mainga, 80 percent of the 120 kilometers railway project has been completed.

"We have made substantial progress in the construction of phase 2A of the SGR and so far we have laid track on an 86 kilometers stretch. We expect the project to be complete by June this year," Mainga said on during a tour of the project on March 18.

He spoke to the journalists during an inspection tour of phase 2A of the SGR that is being implemented by China Communications Construction Company and is part of the proposed Mombasa-Nairobi-Malaba standard gauge railway project. Mainga said major civil works on SGR phase 2A project like the construction of a six kilometer super bridge along Nairobi National Park, tunnels and culverts have been completed, as reported by Xinhua.

"The final phase will involve fencing and installation of signal system. We are also building five intermediate stations and 90 percent of civil works has been accomplished," said Mainga. He further said that the contractor of SGR phase 2A has adhered to international best practices to ensure that natural habitats are protected during its implementation.

"The six kilometers bridge across Nairobi National Park that is fitted with noise deflectors will ensure there is no conflict with wild animals," Mainga opined. According to him, the anticipated benefits upon completion of phase 2A of SGR includes faster movement of passengers and cargo to the hinterland, the establishment of industrial parks, job creation and growth of businesses along its corridor.

The general manager in charge of infrastructure development at Kenya Railways Corporation, Maxwell Mengich said that the operationalization of phase 2A of the SGR project is expected to create new jobs for skilled youth besides attracting investments in critical sectors like tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, Xinhua reported.

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