Nairobi: For many, railways conjure images of trains lumbering along tracks or even a track made of steel rails. However, for Kenya Railways, it is a symbol of development, resilience and transformation for the nation. The Corporation has become a pillar of hope for thousands of Kenyans as it propels the nation to a more connected and prosperous future.
According to Kenya News Agency, the transformation of Kenya Railways involves the modernisation of existing lines; the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) through the Madaraka Express Passenger Service is not merely a mode of transport but rather a lifeline, a catalyst for economic growth. The man behind the transformation is the Managing Director, Mr Phillip Mainga. Since the introduction of a stopover of the Madaraka Express Passenger 10pm train at Voi station on December 15, 2024, Kenya Railways has seen a significant growth in the number of passengers boarding and alighting at the Voi Station.
An average of 900 passengers board and alight in Voi weekly. In addition to the previous stopover at 1848 hrs from Nairobi and 1636 hrs from Mombasa with the afternoon train, the 3-minute stopover at 0205 hrs from Nairobi and 1145 hrs from Mombasa has unlocked vast potential for local businesses and tourism.
Mainga adds that taxi drivers in Voi have not been left behind and were also benefiting from the steady influx of passengers at the station. This, he explains, might be considered a small change, but it has created big ripples in tourism, employment and investments all at the doorstep of the town, with tourists eager to explore one of Kenya’s oldest and largest national parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, using the railway to the Voi town destination.
As Kenya Railways strengthens its grip on the nation’s transport infrastructure, it is also solidifying its role in nurturing communities and livelihoods across the country. He says that discussions between Kenya Railways and the Taita-Taveta County Government on rehabilitation of the 130 km Meter Gauge Railway line from Voi to Taveta are at an advanced stage.
The line, which has been dormant since 2006, will be connecting Tanzania at the Holili border, holding an enormous promise for regional growth. The Voi-Taveta railway line will further connect Kenya to Tanzania’s Moshi region, opening up a direct link to one of East Africa’s most important tourist hubs, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mainga added that with feasibility studies already completed, the impact of the project is clear: it will boost regional tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. ‘The development of the Voi-Taveta railway line will create an integrated freight system complete with Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) and Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) trans-shipment facilities at Voi and MGR-SGR cargo handling at Taveta,’ he added.
Mainga noted that this target increased trade, with higher volumes of goods moving seamlessly between Kenya and Tanzania and a more efficient and reliable freight network that benefits industries across the region, boosting the significant role the Kenya Railways plays in contributing 3 per cent of Kenya’s GDP. During a roundtable interview, the Managing Director, Phillip Mainga, emphasised that the Corporation’s leadership is committed to improving services, strengthening the economy and expanding the scope of operations.
The SGR demonstrates the potential of rail transport in transforming the country’s economy. The ongoing efforts to expand services, revitalise old routes and integrate more technology reflect the company’s drive to stay ahead in a competitive and fast-paced world. In this era of rapid changes where industries and economies must constantly adapt to survive, Kenya Railways is keeping pace with global progress by connecting cities, counties, and countries and opening opportunities.
Last year, Kenya Railways, under the leadership of Managing Director Philip Mainga, was named the Most Improved Parastatal in Kenya as a result of a survey conducted by Precision Analytics Kenya P.A.K. between 6th May and 1st July, 2024.