Kenya demonstrated its commitment to regional connectivity and infrastructure development as it hosted a delegation of African ambassadors at the Nairobi SGR Terminus. The visit, organized by the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, highlighted key infrastructural projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at fostering regional and economic growth.
Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar of the State Department for Transport presided over the event. He expressed gratitude to his colleague, PS Abraham Korir Sing’oei of the State Department for Foreign Affairs, for mobilizing over 20 African ambassadors to witness the progress of Kenya’s infrastructural projects.
The event commenced with a tour of the Nairobi Expressway, a major road infrastructure project developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Spanning 27.1 kilometers across Nairobi, the expressway accommodates over 69,000 vehicles daily, representing a significant achievement in urban transport infrastructure.
Following the expressway tour, the ambassadors visited the Nairobi SGR Terminus. This railway project, another crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative, symbolizes Kenya’s progress in enhancing regional connectivity. The delegation, led by PS Sing’oei, embarked on a five-hour train journey from Nairobi to Mombasa to experience the SGR Terminus firsthand.
In his address, PS Daghar emphasized the administration’s commitment to extending the railway network. Plans include the Phase 2b extension from Naivasha to Kisumu, covering 362 kilometers with a branch line to the Kisumu port, and Phase 2c, extending 106 kilometers from Kisumu to Malaba. These expansions are designed to enhance connectivity and are strategically timed in anticipation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled for September 3-7, 2024.
PS Sing’oei reiterated the importance of connectivity for Africa’s development, highlighting how improved infrastructure supports economic and social transformation. He stressed that Kenya’s involvement in the BRI aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhances regional integration.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip J. Mainga also addressed the guests, inviting them to experience the SGR train service. He expressed appreciation for the ambassadors’ visit and encouraged them to provide feedback on their experiences.
The visit underscored Kenya’s role in regional development and its ongoing partnership with China under the Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing the tangible benefits of such collaborations in advancing infrastructure and connectivity across the continent.