Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway Sets New Records with Cargo Haul and Commuter Surge in 2023
Summary:
Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight service, constructed by China, witnessed an impressive 8 percent increase in cargo transportation during the first nine months of 2023, reaching a milestone of 4.91 million metric tons between Nairobi and Mombasa. The third quarter emerged as the busiest, with 1.73 million metric tons hauled. Additionally, the SGR commuter service experienced a rise in passengers, reaching 1.95 million compared to 1.74 million in the same period last year. Projections suggest a potential year-end usage of at least 6.6 million metric tons, highlighting the efficiency and growing importance of Kenya’s SGR system.
Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight service, as reported by the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) in Nairobi on Thursday, demonstrated a noteworthy 8 percent increase in cargo transportation during the initial nine months of 2023. The modern railway, built by China, efficiently moved 4.91 million metric tons of cargo between Nairobi and Mombasa, surpassing the 4.55 million metric tons transported in the same period of 2022, as outlined by the KRC.
The third quarter emerged as the peak period for cargo transportation, with 1.73 million metric tons, followed by 1.60 million metric tons in quarter two and 1.57 million metric tons in quarter one. With the final quarter historically representing heightened trade activities in Kenya, the SGR anticipates a substantial surge in usage, potentially surpassing the 2022 total of 6.09 million metric tons.
Projections by the KRC, based on a monthly average of 580,000 metric tons transported in 2023, indicate a trajectory that could result in a year-end usage level of at least 6.6 million metric tons. This data underscores the significant impact and efficiency of the SGR in facilitating cargo transportation.
In addition to the success in the freight sector, the SGR commuter service also experienced a notable uptick in passengers. The report indicates that 1.95 million individuals utilized the commuter service during the period, compared to 1.74 million in the same timeframe in 2022. This dual success in both cargo and commuter services reflects the growing importance and efficiency of Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway system, positioning it as a vital component of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
