KENYA RAILWAYS TO SPEND OVER 3 BILLION SHILLINGS TO RELAUNCH NANYUKI LINE
(Posted 19th February 2020)
The Kenya Railways Corporation has already released one billion Kenya Shillings – out of a total of over 3 billion Kenya Shillings required – to have work started and advance in the planned rehabilitation of the long dormant line between Nairobi and Nanyuki. The overall distance was given as 240 kms.
The Kenyan government is expected to foot the bill over the balance of funds required though no release dates have been given when the money will be made available to contractors and KR.
The narrow gauge line, when complete, is expected to cause a shift of cargo movements from the road to rail, and will in particular serve to supply the regional fuel depot in Nanyuki.
However there are also plans to use the line for tourism purposes as well as for public transport though Kenya Railways has been silent over such suggestions.
Information seen also speaks of plans to extend the rail line, when complete, all the way to Isiolo, where it is to link up to the LAPSSET project, which however – given the lack of financial investment from South Sudan and Ethiopia – seems dormant if not moribund.
