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Shem Oirere

March 15, 2021 | Africa

Ghana to spend $US 2bn on rail network

The funds will be primarily used to develop Ghana’s standard-gauge network.

March 12, 2021 | Africa

Kenya Railways to end SGR contract with Afristar

KRC will take over all operations on the line from May 2022.

January 30, 2021 | Africa

Standard gauge development stalls in East Africa

2020 was a year of mixed fortunes for railways in East Africa as plans to construct new standard gauge railway (SGR) lines in Kenya and Uganda stalled, forcing railways to divert more of their resources to refurbishing sections of their metre-gauge railways (MGR).

November 25, 2020 | Africa

Kenyan court quashes mandatory use of SGR for freight

KENYA’s High Court has dealt Kenya Railways Corporation’s (KRC) rail freight business a major blow after quashing an earlier government directive requiring the transport of all imported containers on the 578.8km standard gauge railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi.

May 3, 2019 | Freight

Kenya Standard Gauge Railway launch drives freight growth

THE launch of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight services in Kenya in 2018 increased freight traffic between the Indian Ocean port city of Mombasa and the country’s capital Nairobi by 209%, according to a new report.

January 31, 2019 | Africa

Are East Africa’s new railways viable?

East African countries have been keen to accept international funding, particularly from China, to build new standard-gauge railways rather than upgrading existing lines. However, as Shem Oirere reports, there are serious doubts over the long-term viability of these new lines.

April 17, 2018 | Africa

Ugandan capital embarks on light rail project

Uganda has ambitious plans to build a light rail network in its capital Kampala in a bid to reduce crippling road traffic congestion and pollution, reports Shem Oirere.

June 15, 2017 | Africa

Kenya looks to revitalise Nairobi commuter network

Kenya Railways expects to complete a master plan, which includes the redevelopment of the existing 149km Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) network, within the next nine months. This will pave the way for implementation of a major project that promises to transform public transport in the Kenyan capital. Shem Oirere reports.

June 9, 2017 | Africa

Uganda to terminate Rift Valley Railways concession

THE UGANDAN government has confirmed it is terminating Rift Valley Railways’ (RVR) concession to operate the country's 1918km metre-gauge network because of poor performance.

May 31, 2017 | Africa

Kenya inaugurates Standard Gauge Railway

KENYA’s President Mr Uhuru Kenyatta has flagged off the maiden freight and passenger trains on the 472.3km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Nairobi to Mombasa.

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