The Kenya Railway Transport sector has witnessed a significant leap forward with the arrival of 430 new wagons for both the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) freight services.

This addition brings the total wagon count to 1,900, an increase from 1,600 for the SGR, while those of the MGR have increased from 1,395 to 1,595.

These aren’t your average wagons either; boasting a capacity of 70 tons and 64 tons for the SGR and MGR respectively, representing an upgrade from the older models that could only handle 36 tons each. The impact of these high-capacity wagons is poised to reshape the dynamics of cargo transportation in Kenya.

The single 40ft wagons, in addition to the 80 double stacking ones on the previous fleet, not only enhance efficiency but also open up new avenues for transporting diverse types of goods.

This strategic investment directly addresses two critical challenges: boosting freight services and improving efficiency at the busy Mombasa port. The need to shorten turnaround times for ships docking at the port cannot be overstated. It is instructive that the Port of Mombasa had a backlog of close to 100,000 tons of cargo including 45,000 tons of steel coils, among other conventional and loose cargo.

Faster cargo discharge, particularly for heavy and bulky items, is crucial for smooth port operations, and the new wagons with their increased capacity are positioned to address this bottleneck. This will have a ripple effect, reducing congestion at the port and streamlining the cargo movement process.

The impact extends beyond Kenya’s borders. The government’s commitment to serving its East African neighbours, particularly Uganda and South Sudan, is commendable. Efficient and reliable railway transport plays a vital role in facilitating regional trade, and Kenya’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure will undoubtedly benefit the entire East African Community.

The ongoing discussions with Rwanda to ensure Kenya handles more of its cargo through the Northern Corridor, solidifies Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub.

The rehabilitation of the MGR line is another positive development. This not only strengthens Kenya’s domestic connectivity but also opens doors for increased trade with Tanzania’s northern region. The expected arrival of the final 20 wagons in the next two months, coupled with the recent launch of 50 new wagons and the planned introduction of additional SGR passenger coaches, paints a clear picture – Kenya is serious about revolutionizing its railway transport sector.

This commitment is further underscored by the continued growth in cargo volumes. The MGR witnessed a remarkable 21 per cent increase in cargo from 787,000 tons in 2022 to 1.9 million tons in 2023. While the SGR saw a more modest seven per cent rise in cargo movement, passenger numbers also experienced a 12 per cent increase. These figures speak volumes about the growing trust and reliance on the revitalized railway network.

The volume of cargo transported via SGR increased by seven per cent from six million in 2022 to 6.5 million in 2023, while passenger numbers through SGR increased by 12 per cent from 2.3 million in 2022 to 2.7 million in 2023.

The potential benefits of this modernization extend beyond immediate capacity increases. The new rolling stock presents a unique opportunity for Kenya Railways to tap into the lucrative perishable goods market. The introduction of refrigerated compartments in the wagons would be a game-changer, allowing for the safe and efficient long-distance transport of temperature-sensitive products. Additionally, the increased availability of wagons will eliminate delays in cargo movement, ensuring timely deliveries and a more reliable service for clients.

Kenya Railways recent investments in its railway infrastructure mark a significant milestone. This strategic move not only boosts domestic trade but also strengthens regional economic ties, paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya and its neighbours.

—The writer is a commentator on transport and logistics milestones