SGR Phase 2A project to be complete by June 2019

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday, December 16, urged the CCCC Company working in collaboration with the Infrastructure ministry, to ensure that all components of the SGR, which include the establishment of economic zones and industrial park, are completed on the set timeline.

Speaking during an inspection of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) tunnel at Em-Bulbul, the Head of State expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project further emphasizing that the railway be completed by June 2019.

“All components of the phase 2A of SGR should be completed by June 2019 so that they can be launched together with the railway line on the same day,” said Kenyatta

The second phase, which was funded by the Export-Import Bank of China, will see the SGR expanded from Nairobi to Naivasha through the Nairobi National Park.

The Em-Bulbul SGR tunnel in Kajiado County covers 4.5 km, its the first of the three sections of the 7.14 km SGR tunnel and the second longest railway tunnel in Africa.

The other two sections of the tunnel cover 1 km and 1.64 km stretches respectively.

While briefing the President on the progress, Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary James Macharia indicated that 25 percent of the tunnel is complete further assuring that the project will be completed on time.

The President who later addressed residents of Em-Bulbul said that the SGR project will open up the area and attract investors who will create employment for the locals.

The SGR project is also expected to reduce the cost of transporting cargo upcountry.