Construction of Standard Gauge Railway: Mombasa -- Nairobi -- Malaba -- Kampala -- Kigali line
USD 13,800.00M
Total Cost
87.5%
Progress
4
Stakeholders
4
Countries
Financial Close
Project Stage
Project Overview
Construction of a standard gauge railway (SGR) along the Northern Corridor connecting Mombasa (Kenya) through Nairobi and Malaba to Kampala (Uganda) and extending to Kigali (Rwanda), with a branch line from Malaba to Juba (South Sudan), establishing a modern railway backbone for East Africa.
Key Objectives
Develop a modern high-capacity standard gauge railway along the Northern Corridor to enhance regional connectivity and reduce transportation costs; provide landlocked countries (Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan) with efficient access to the Port of Mombasa; enhance trade competitiveness through reduced l...
Strategic Importance
The Mombasa-Kigali SGR represents a flagship project for East African integration, modernizing the region's primary transport corridor that handles over 85% of EAC trade. By replacing the century-old narrow gauge colonial railway with modern standard gauge infrastructure, the project dramatically reduces transport costs and times for landlocked countries, enhancing their trade competitiveness.
Technical Specifications
Technology: The railway employs standard gauge (1,435mm) technology with diesel traction and provision for future electrification. Advanced design features include modern signaling and train control systems, substantial civil works to navigate challenging terrain, intermodal terminals at key locations, and advanced communications systems.
Capacity: The railway network will extend approximately 2,700 km across four countries: Kenya section (Mombasa-Malaba): 900 km; Uganda section (Malaba-Kampala-Rwanda border): 550 km; Rwanda section (Uganda border-Kigali): 200 km; South Sudan branch (Malaba-Juba): 450 km.
Capacity: The railway network will extend approximately 2,700 km across four countries: Kenya section (Mombasa-Malaba): 900 km; Uganda section (Malaba-Kampala-Rwanda border): 550 km; Rwanda section (Uganda border-Kigali): 200 km; South Sudan branch (Malaba-Juba): 450 km.
Financing Structure
The project employs a phased sovereign financing approach with: bilateral financing from China for the Kenyan section (Mombasa-Nairobi-Malaba); multilateral development bank financing (AfDB, World Bank) for subsequent sections; national budget allocations from participating countries; and potential for PPP arrangements for operations and specific segments.
Market Analysis
The Northern Corridor currently handles approximately 35 million tons of freight annually, with projections showing growth to 55 million tons by 2030. The upgraded railway is designed to capture at least 40% of this volume from road transport.
Investment Opportunities
Significant opportunities exist for private sector participation in railway operations, rolling stock procurement and maintenance, station commercial development, logistics facilities, training centers, and digital systems.
Key Stakeholders
Sponsor: Kenya Railways Corporation, Uganda Railways Corporation, East African Community
Partners: Kenya Railways Corporation, Uganda Railways Corporation, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, South ...
Partners: Kenya Railways Corporation, Uganda Railways Corporation, Rwanda Transport Development Agency, South ...
For More Information, Contact:
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org