Inspection of Kenya’s SGR locomotives kicks off
Feb 6, 2017
The Kenyan government has began the long awaited exercise of inspecting and commissioning of SGR locomotives for Kenya rail project.
According to officials this move is aimed at ensuring that the completion of the first phase of Kenya’s SGR project is right on time as planned.
Speaking to journalists at State House, Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said the first journey from Mombasa to Nairobi will start in June.
“Testing, commissioning and inspection of these locomotives has already begun. Kenya remains on track to see the first SGR journey to Nairobi from Mombasa on June 1, 2017,” Mr Esipisu said.
Mr Esipisu added that the locomotives that have already being imported to the country are world class and the passenger coaches will be delivered later on this month.
“This is one of the projects that we as the Jubilee government is happy of and we are sure that it will be completed right on time” he added.
The official also added that the eight Eight heavy haul freight locomotives, passenger locomotives as well as two shunting locomotives have been delivered.
“We expect to have enough SGR locomotives that is for transportation of goods and other for passages in the nest few months” he added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will commission the Sh372 billion project after its completion.
He further said Kenya Railways has procured 56 locomotives, 40 passenger coaches and 1,620 wagons.
Last month, Transport
Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said that the second batch of six locomotives is expected to arrive this month and the last batch of 44 by May.
Mr Macharia said the railway will decongest the port and boost cargo transportation to Nairobi.
The railway will connect Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.