The East African Community (EAC) member states have revealed ambitious plans that will foresee the development of railway infrastructure. The plans entail developing an expansive East Africa’s 6,220-Kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project. This railway network is expected to link all the eight member states upon completion.
This ambitious plan was announced at the ministerial session of the 19th EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications, and Meteorology that was recently held in Arusha, Tanzania.
Also read: Tanzania SGR Operations Approach as the Country Launches East Africa’s First Electric Train
Speaking during the session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Mr. Andrea Aguer Ariik Maleuth addresed the sitting reagrding the project. “Both Kenya and Tanzania have taken the lead in the development of the East Africa’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project,” he mentioned.
Kenya’s Ambition in Extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)
Kenya’s president, William Ruto, announced plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha. The plan is to ensure the rail extends to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to bolster trade and investment. Opening of the East Africa Community Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Ruto emphasized the project’s importance. The main aim of the rail is to facilitate infrastructure expansion for regional trade. Moreover, he stated that the SGR extension will facilitate easier transportation across borders. This is expected to enhance connectivity among East African nations and ensure an interlinked system. “We have now agreed with Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC that the SGR will be extended from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC so that we can use it whenever we are going to these places,” he said. He further reiterated his point that the infrastructure is fundamental to the integration of the East African region.
Kenya’s Significance of Extending the SGR
According to Ruto, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will significantly boost intra-regional trade, which currently stands at 28%. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute to the broader goals of economic integration within the East African Community. Other countries have already implemented measures to ensure their end of the SGR is progressing. Uganda has already launched ground operations for the construction of the SGR. The first phase of the project is set to begin with a 272km stretch from Malaba to Kampala. Uganda’s leader, Yoweri Museveni revealed that the construction would progress in various phases, ensuring viable implementation. The Malaba to Kampala section is expected to be completed in approximately four years. Kenya also seeks to fast track their end on the Naivasha to Kisumu SGR line. Operations are expected to commence in January 2025.
The Current State of Affairs of the East Africa’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project
“A total length of 1,120 kilometers SGR is already currently operational in both Kenya and Tanzania. Moreover, another additional 1,100 kilometers is currently under construction in Tanzania. Approximately 4,000 kilometers are in project preparation across all the member states,” Mr. Ariik stated.
Additionally, he did inform the ministerial session stating, “The EAC is currently undertaking an endeavor to harmonize standards.” The standards are to make sure that there will be seamless operations across the regional railway network.”
The EAC’s ambitious vision for embarking on this integrated mega railway project gained momentum. This was catalyzed by Tanzania just recently launching SGR services linking Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. Also, Uganda embarked on plans of setting up its SGR links to the surrounding countries. The countries include Kenya, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and even South Sudan.
Tanzania’s Milestone on the Project
It is also quite remarkable to note the milestone that Tanzania achieved in promoting this mega East Africa’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project. “Tanzania became the first country in the region to set up a fully electrified Standard Gauge Railway System.” a report said. “This project is foreseen to also boost the economy of Tanzania in general by facilitating transportation of goods to the port city of Dar es Salaam for export.” the report added.
Also read: Kenya Standard Gauge Railway (Kenya SGR) project
As revealed by Mr. Ariik, “In order to achieve seamless connectivity within the railway system, they will have to depend on joint resource mobilization and coordination.” “This will be useful in that it will serve to avoid gap that could delay the progress of the project.”
Meanwhile the Cabinet Secretary in charge of roads and transport in Kenya, Davis Chirchir, called for the removal of barriers to transportation. He noted, “the removal of these barriers would boost cross-border trade.”
“The investments in the Northern and Central Transport Corridors foresee will facilitate the movement of people and goods within EAC. This will therefore boost intra-regional trade,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
“Other regions such as Europe, Asia, and Latin America had attained intra-regional trade levels over 60%.” he pointed out.
Also read: Construction of Uganda’s Longest Rail: The Kampala to Malaba SGR
