East Africa has been abuzz with railway developments in recent weeks, with several countries in the region making significant progress in expanding their railway networks. Tanzania, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu, recently launched a new 460-kilometre electric railway line connecting Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. This marks the first electric trains in the region and is part of Tanzania’s ambitious plan to build a 2,560km Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) that will link cities within the country and neighboring countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The completion of the Dar es Salaam to Dodoma railway line has been hailed as a milestone that will enhance connectivity in the region and boost Tanzania’s standing as a key player in East Africa. The project is expected to kickstart similar rail initiatives in neighboring countries, positioning Tanzania as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
Following Tanzania’s lead, Uganda also made significant strides in its railway development efforts. The Ugandan government signed a contract with Turkish construction firm Yapi Merkezi to construct the first section of a planned 1,700-kilometre electric rail line. This line will run from Kampala to Malaba at the border with Kenya, providing landlocked Uganda with access to Kenya’s rail network and the port of Mombasa.
Meanwhile, Kenya announced plans to invest KSh648 billion ($5 billion) in extending its SGR from Naivasha to the Malaba border with Uganda. This expansion project is part of the East African Community’s larger plan to develop a 6,220-kilometre SGR network connecting all member states.
The region’s current railway developments are a revival of an old dream that dates back to the colonial era when the East African Railways and Harbours Corporation (EAR&H) connected key cities and ports in East Africa. The dissolution of the EAR&H in the 1970s led to the formation of separate railway corporations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, recent collaborations and investments are bringing back the spirit of regional connectivity through modern railway infrastructure.
As East Africa embraces its railway future, it reflects on its rich history of rail transport and the role it played in shaping the region’s economy. With new projects underway and ambitious plans for regional integration, the future of railways in East Africa looks promising. Charles Onyango-Obbo, a prominent journalist and writer, captures the essence of this journey as East Africa looks back to move forward in its railway development efforts. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly important to stay informed and up-to-date on current events. With the rise of social media and 24-hour news cycles, information is constantly being disseminated at a rapid pace. This can make it challenging to separate fact from fiction and discern what is truly important.
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