Inside Sh32b plan to revamp railway system
BUSINESS NEWS
The government has made grand plans to revamp the railway transportation system, setting aside billions that will be used to complete the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and rehabilitation of the old Metre Gauge Railway (MGR).
In its budget for the 2021-22 financial year, the National Treasury has set aside more than Sh32 billion that will be used on the improvement of the railway services.
The money will also be spent on improving the commuter railway in Nairobi, where there are plans to construct new stations as well as link lines to the Nairobi commuter railway, increasing access by commuters.
Kenya Railways Picks 3000 Kenyans for Multibillion Project
President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Nairobi Central Railway Station on November 10, 2020.
PSCU
Over 3,000 Kenyans have benefitted from the ongoing construction of the new railway line between Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) and Longonot, according to the Kenya Railways Corporation.
The disclosure came on Tuesday, February 16 by the corporation after a team from the National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee (NDICCC) led by Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa inspected the Ksh3.7 billion project which is currently 50 % complete.
Among the dignitaries who accompanied Wamalwa included Tourism CS Najib Balala, Transport CS James Macharia and Trade CS Betty Maina.
Billions Poured Into Kitengela, Athi River Over Property Boom
A housing estate under construction.
File
Over the last 3 years, at least Ksh 300 billion has been poured into development projects in the city outskirt towns of Kitengela and Athi River.
From malls to gated communities to whole city projects, the two towns have seen a major influx in mega-projects.
The expanding industrial and manufacturing base attracts low-skilled workers from all over Kenya and has become one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country.
Greenpark Estate in Athi River.
File
In March 2019, the Chinese real estate group, Beijing Damei Investment Company, announced plans to build a megacity in Nairobi’s Athi River area at an estimated cost of Ksh200 billion.
Kenya Railways Issues Warning After Train Crashes Rider
Wreckage from the accident on January 12, 2021.
Twitter
Kenya Railways has issued a warning to members of the public using unauthorised crossing intersections a day after a boda boda rider was hit by a Nairobi Commuter train approaching the Pipeline Stage.
In the statement, the railway company asked citizens to follow directional signs and markings that provide guidance on where it is safe to cross the tracks. Only certain sections of the railway are open to the public, reads the statement.
A passenger train at Thika station, north of Nairobi.
File
In addition, the commuter company warned that trespassing on the tracks or embankment areas surrounding them was dangerous and illegal, and could also result in catastrophic accidents.