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East Africa Unites to Revolutionize Transport with Multibillion-Dollar Standard Gauge Railway Project

By Bruno Aero

Family Media Staff  writer 7th October 2025 6.08 Pm

Photo coutesy by Elijah Odanga .

The Transport Ministerials head of States convenend in Nairobi, Kenya for a bilaterial meeting In a historic move to transform regional trade and economic development, East African countries have joined forces to embark on a multibillion-dollar Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. The ambitious initiative aims to connect Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with a modern, efficient, and reliable railway system, revolutionizing the transportation of goods and people across the region.

 New Era of Economic Growth

The SGR project is expected to significantly lower the cost of doing business in East Africa, boosting economic growth and competitiveness. According to Uganda's State Minister for Transport Hon Fred Byamukama echoas the efficient railway transport system will ease congestion on roads, reduce road accidents, and lower the region's carbon footprint. "Our roads are congested because passengers and cargo compete for space, Hon Fred Byamukama said. Railway transport can move large volumes cheaply and faster. Once this line is complete, the economic status of our three countries will change.

A Collaborative Effort

East Africa Unites to Revolutionize Transport with Multibillion-Dollar Standard Gauge Railway Project

The trilateral talks between Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan have resulted in a commitment to work together to complete the SGR project. Each country will build its section of the railwaylines but construction will be tightly coordinated to ensure completion around the same time. The ministers have set a tentative timeline for the project's completion, with ground-breaking for the next phase expected as early as 2026, pending financing negotiations and technical studies.

Financial and Sustainability

The project will be financed through a combination of levies, loans, and other financing options. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Hon Davis Chirchir revealed that the government is exploring innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships,  (PPP) to support the project. It's not a cheap project, but it's one that will transform regional trade,  He further explained. the introduction of electric mobility (e-mobility) on the new railway lines is also being discussed, leveraging Kenya's abundant renewable energy resources to power future railway operations.

A Boost to Regional Trade

The SGR project is expected to increase trade volumes and economic activity in the region. Kenya Railways recently reported its highest-ever cargo haul, moving 640 million tonnes in a single month, up from an average of 500 million tonnes. The government aims to shift more freight from road to rail to ease congestion, reduce road accidents, and lower the country's carbon footprint.

A Global Competitor

The SGR project is part of the Northern Corridor, a key transport route that connects the port city of Mombasa to landlocked countries in the region. The corridor is expected to become a globally competitive trade route, enhancing the region's economic prospects and increasing its integration into the global economy. Our goal is to move together as a region and make the Northern Corridor a globally competitive trade route, The Cabinet Secretary CS Hon Davis Chichir said.

With its potential to transform regional trade and economic development, the SGR project is a significant step towards for more prosperous and connected East Africa.regions of economical Hub