Construction begins on the Voi-Mwatate narrow-gauge railway

The Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto recently announced the official commencement of construction for the Voi-Mwatate Meter Gauge Railway (MGR). The ceremony took place in Mariwenyi in the Taita-Taveta district. In his speech, the President emphasized the importance of restoring the railway line, which will connect Voi to a planned dry port. This initiative aims to develop the city into a central logistics hub linking the Port of Mombasa with the Taveta/Holili border crossing at the border with Tanzania, according to the Kenyan Ministry of Transport.

Economic impact of the new railway line

The project, estimated to cost 5.5 billion KSh, aims to revive the historic trade route Mombasa-Voi-Taveta-Moshi-Arusha-Singida-Bujumbura. With the commissioning of the railway line, the distance between Mombasa and Bujumbura will be reduced by 358 km, according to the ministry. President Ruto stated that the new railway connection will facilitate both passenger and freight transport between Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi.

www.transport.go.ke