Updates on the Kenya Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) 2024

Since it was initiated, the Kenya Standard Gauge Railway has been a defining project for the country to increase connectivity and drive economic growth. While Kenya expands and improves upon this vital infrastructure, the latest updates that have come in concern the SGR extension, fare adjustments, and regional connectivity. Updates such as this underline the commitment made by the government toward deepening the transportation network and creating bases for sustainable operations while moving toward greater economic integration within East Africa.

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Extension of SGR

The government is at the forefront in advancing the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to the system of the line, aiming to foster regional connectivity and economic development. The plans for the extension have involved:

• Phase 2B: The extension will involve 362 kilometers from Naivasha to Kisumu, with a spur to Kisumu port. The motive behind this extension of the line is to improve trade and transportation activities between the interior parts of Kenya and the western regions, thereby stimulating economic activities in Kisumu and its surroundings.
• Phase 2C: It will span 106 kilometers from Kisumu to Malaba, further extending Kenya's connectivity to the neighboring countries to ensure easier trade across East Africa. The government is closely working with the National Treasury and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure these extensions are a success, since this will play a big role in the economic integration within this region.

Fare Adjustments

Effective 1st January 2024, Kenya Railways Corporation has revised the fares for SGR in response to the increased operation costs and improved service delivery. The revised fare structure is as shown:

• First Class: The fare for a First Class ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa has risen by Ksh 1,500 to Ksh 4,500. This increase is to enhance the quality of the service and comfort of passengers traveling in this superior class.

• Economy Class: The price for an Economy-Class ticket from Nairobi to Mombasa increases by Ksh.500 to Ksh.1,500. The fare adjustment was made to ensure that SGR is viable while maintaining its affordability to the majority of passengers.

Better Connectivity

Kenya recognizes the integral role that connectivity plays in the development and economic transformation of the nation. The SGR lies at the heart of this strategy, providing links of key importance into regional road, rail, and digital networks. In this way, it is not just better domestic transportation that is facilitated by the SGR, but also the very underpinning of enhanced connectivity for the actualization of free trade areas in Africa. SGR's extension would bring immense agricultural, industrial, and mineral potential in Kenya and the neighboring countries into play, thereby driving further economic growth and regional integration.

These recent changes and planned extensions of the SGR underline Kenya's commitment to building a robust transport infrastructure supportive of both national and regional development goals. Ongoing cooperation with international partners, especially within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, provided the pulse for successful expansion and modernization of Kenya's rail network.

Passenger Services

The SGR has introduced a variety of enhancements aimed at improving passenger services, which include the following:

• Improved Booking System: The booking online provides for the selection of seats and processing payments by credit or debit card, thereby making the experience more user-friendly and accessible.
• Longer Booking Window: The window for buying tickets has been increased to permit seat reservations up to 60 days in advance, hence allowing passengers greater flexibility in planning their travel.
• Child Fares: A new policy puts children over three years at full fare. This measure is in line with international standards and will help in the long term sustainability of the service.
• Refund Policy: The refund policy has been changed to allow passengers to get refunds on their tickets with a 30% fee if requested within 48-72 hours before the scheduled departure.

Operational Changes

The Kenya Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has undergone significant operational changes to enhance service reliability and capacity. These updates include managing disruptions caused by extreme weather, expanding passenger capacity, and introducing premium services.

• Service Disruptions: The SGR has been tainted with challenges brought about by extreme weather conditions due to temporary disruptions occasioned by heavy rains and flooding in certain regions.
• Capacity Expansion: Kenya Railways has floated a tender for the supply of new coaches to cater to increasing demand along the Nairobi-Suswa route, set to increase passenger capacity and improve service availability.
• Value-Added Services: There are plans to introduce premium services that would target high-end customers whereby enhanced comfort and amenities would be on offer along select routes.
• Cargo Services Efficiency Improvements: Kenya Railways is streamlining cargo handling and transportation efficiency. This includes rebuilding freight yards and acquiring new wagons to better serve the growing needs of businesses and industries relying on rail transport.