Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) workers are set to undergo an intensive 11-week training.

Africa Star Railway Operation Company Ltd. (Afristar), which operates SGR, has partnered with Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic in China to conduct the Railway Operations online course from March 21 to June 7, as the Chinese aim to localise railway operations in Kenya.

The course will enable the employees to understand the knowledge and technology in railway operations, including analysis of railway transport demand and management, railway freight and passenger transport.

“The lecturers are China’s top experts and professors from Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic engaged in railway operations and maintenance. There will be 78 courses designed for railway professionals at all levels with English as the teaching language,” Afristar management said.

“Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic is a top institute specializing in railway operation in China. It has trained a large number of talents for China, Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries in the world.”

Afristar clarified that the training targets all SGR staff, including those from Railway Training Institute (RTI).

Topics that will be covered include railway equipment uses and infrastructure maintenance and management, station emergency response, railway signal fundamentals, construction and replacement of railway bridge bearings and railway transportation equipment.

“The training is also aimed at equipping RTI teachers with more knowledge in railway management, developing training courses for Kenya Railways employees, as well as conducting further consultations in railway operations,” Afristar said.

During the over seven years of SGR’s existence, Afristar has been conducting on-the-job training.