Railway revamp a brave and timely move for Kenya

Justification for the line from Nairobi to Moyale intended to serve Ethiopia is again misplaced and precarious.

The natural and logical ports to serve Ethiopia are Asmara and Massawa in Eritrea, and it is only because the two countries are in a state of war that Ethiopia is using the longer and more expensive route via port of Djibouti.

For Ethiopia to turn to Mombasa, it will be even more expensive.

Eritrea and Ethiopia will one day (sooner than later) decide to do what is politically and economically sensible and they will be back to using Asmara and Massawa as transit ports for Ethiopia.

That is why we should not be in a hurry to contemplate a project via Moyale justified purely on bad politics between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Stretch to Uganda

Kenya Railways Corporation plan for a new grass root modern rail line is in keeping with time, and should be progressed with the benefits of EAC in mind.

The initial design should go full stretch to the ends of Uganda to access the full cargo potential in the region.

At the end of it we should see a payback for EAC countries in haulage efficiency, reduced unit transport costs, extended life for our roads, and increased road safety.

A good business and investment model will emerge if Kenya and Uganda work together to form a joint venture financed by the private and public entities of the two countries.

In the meantime Kenya should polish up its political demeanour and assure regional neighbours that Kibera-type of rail disruptions will be a thing of the past.

Wachira works with Petroleum Focus Consultants. Wachira@petroleumfocus.com