Kenya Railways has announced that the rehabilitation of the 130-kilometre Voi-Taveta Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line has reached another milestone, with 70 per cent of the earthworks now complete.

In an update shared on its official X account on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the state corporation said the project continues to make steady progress while creating employment opportunities for local communities and stimulating economic activity across the region.

“The rehabilitation of the 130-kilometre Voi-Taveta Meter Gauge Railway Line has reached another significant milestone, with 70% of the earthworks now complete, while continuing to create employment opportunities for local communities and stimulate economic activity across the region,” Kenya Railways posted.

The impact of the rail

The corporation said the project is not only restoring a key transport corridor but is also supporting livelihoods through the hiring of local workers and increased business activity generated by the ongoing construction works.

Once completed, the rehabilitated railway is expected to improve the movement of goods and passengers between Voi and Taveta, enhance transport efficiency and strengthen cross-border trade with neighbouring Tanzania through the Taveta-Holili border.

The project is also expected to provide a cost-effective alternative for freight transport, complementing road infrastructure while facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, minerals and other bulk cargo to and from the Port of Mombasa.

“The rehabilitated railway will provide a more efficient and cost-effective transport corridor for passengers and cargo, facilitate cross-border trade with Tanzania, promote tourism, reduce the cost of doing business, and unlock new economic opportunities for communities,” Kenya Railways noted.

President Ruto launching the project

The latest progress update comes just over three months after President William Ruto launched the KSh5.5 billion rehabilitation project during a development tour of Taita Taveta County in April 2026.

At the launch, President Ruto described the railway as a transformative infrastructure project that would revive a strategic regional trade corridor linking the Port of Mombasa to Taveta before extending into Tanzania and eventually Burundi.

Speaking at the Kenya-Tanzania Business Forum held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre on May 4, 2026, Ruto revealed that the road link would be up by April 2027.

“By April next year, we will have connected Voi-Mwatate-Taveta, and I have the confirmation of my sister that you will complete the line to Taveta from the Tanzanian side ahead of time,” Ruto announced.

He said the project would reduce transport costs, improve regional connectivity and unlock economic opportunities in trade, mining, agriculture and tourism.

The rehabilitation project also includes plans for the construction of a dry port in Voi, which is expected to position the town as a key logistics hub serving cargo destined for Kenya, Tanzania and the wider East African region.

The Voi-Taveta railway, which had remained largely dormant for years, is part of the government’s broader plan to revitalise Kenya’s Metre Gauge Railway network and enhance multimodal transport.