By Aoma Keziah,
Kenya Railways, on behalf of the Ministry of Roads and Transport, hosted a Ministerial Kick-Off Meeting for the East Africa Rail Corridor on Friday morning, bringing together Transport Ministers from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan to review progress and outline next steps in advancing the regional rail network.
The session, chaired by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, focused on plans to extend and synchronize railway connections across the Northern Corridor. The corridor links the port of Mombasa to inland destinations in Kenya and neighbouring states, including Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking with the media after the meeting, CS Chirchir said the discussions were aimed at ensuring regional coordination in railway development so that progress remains uniform across borders.
“We spent most of the morning exchanging notes on the railway infrastructure that serves the Northern Corridor. Kenya has already built the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Nairobi and onward to Naivasha and work is ongoing on the 262-kilometre stretch to Kisumu, and an additional 107 kilometres toward Malaba,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the need for close collaboration among member states to avoid gaps or delays that could weaken the efficiency of the shared network.
“A railway line that is not built in sync across the region will not deliver its full value. That is why we are working hand in hand with Uganda and South Sudan to ensure timely completion,” remarked Chirchir.
He added that Uganda has already made notable progress on its section of the corridor, while Kenya continues to explore funding options with various development partners to speed up completion of its remaining segments.
“Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan are now at a level of ascertaining business, and that’s what our countries need. Here we’re talking of rail transport. We know in East Africa, we invest a lot of money in repairing roads because most of our cargo is transported by road. Our roads are congested because the passengers compete with cargo, and that’s why we are here today,” underscored Fred Byamukama State Minister for Transport Uganda.
Kenya, CS Chirchir noted, is leveraging its 2 percent Railway Development Levy to support financing of the infrastructure, even as talks continue on additional external support.
“This is not a cheap project, but we are determined to see it through because of its long-term benefits to the region,” he continued to say.
According to the Chirchir, Kenya’s railway system recorded its highest cargo volumes in the last few months hauling about 640 million tonnes, up from the usual monthly average of 500 million tonnes. He said this growth reflects the expanding role of the railway in regional trade.
He pointed out that improved rail transport will ease pressure on roads, reduce accidents, and help cut carbon emissions by shifting bulk cargo from trucks to trains.
“The railway offers a better carbon footprint and greater efficiency. It’s critical for us as a region to complete this infrastructure so we can move goods faster, lower transport costs, and remain competitive globally,” the CS urged.
As the host of the Port of Mombasa, Kenya is seen as a key player in ensuring the Northern Corridor operates smoothly and supports trade for neighboring economies.
The ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to fast-tracking construction and harmonizing standards along the corridor, describing the project as a pillar of regional integration and economic growth.