To eliminate last-mile connectivity challenges for exporters in the protected zones, taxpayers will pay Sh3.7 billion to build a 3.5-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line link to the Export Processing Zone Authority (Epza) in Athi River.
Manufacturers at Epza are currently required to truck their goods to Nairobi’s Inland Container Depot (ICD) before being ferried to Mombasa via the SGR cargo train.
According to Teknobyte Limited, the firm hired to conduct feasibility studies for the SGR siding, the line will cost Sh3.7 billion to complete.
“The railway siding will provide faster movement of cargo between Nairobi to Mombasa more so for manufacturers operating at this Epza,” said Teknobyte Limited Managing Director Mucemi Gakuru.
He stated that the project will begin as soon as funds are available.
The construction of the high-speed line, which will also include the construction of a 600-meter gauge railway line at Epza in Athi River and a 1.13-kilometer road on the outskirts of Epza in Athi River, will take about 24 months.
“Once the line is complete, it will have two SGR trains daily, one up, one down accommodated in the existing SGR timetable,” he said.
“Kenya Railways will also provide rolling stock and do train operations.”
In addition, a parking space will be built at Epza in Athi River as part of the project. It can accommodate up to 30 cars.
A 450 square metre go-down and a two-storey office block will also be constructed at the facility as part of the project.
