The government has received 50 new wagons meant to boost operations of the Madaraka Express freight services.
Confirming the news was Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen who said another shipment of 250 wagons is expected this month from China.
“Today we received 50 new wagons to facilitate the operations of the Madaraka Express freight service. This is a key milestone for Kenya and the region as we seek to improve rail services and efficiency.
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A second shipment of 250 wagons was loaded at the Tianjin port in China in late January and is expected to arrive this month.” he said
In order to remain competitive, the CS confirmed that there is necessary human capital, operational assets and information systems.
“For Kenya to remain competitive we must continue to improve our transport infrastructure. The Ministry will, therefore, ensure we have the necessary human capital, operational assets and information systems for achieving these goals.
The new wagons are part of our strategic response to market dynamics, and the need to meet the ever-changing customer demands and gain a competitive edge.
This was the first time new wagons have been added since the launch of SGR in May 2017. Twenty of the wagons procured will also have power plugins to enable the movement of refrigerated containers, a hitherto untapped business potential for SGR.
The refrigerated wagons will be a big boost to our horticultural sector. We will be able to respond to the preferences of customers from around the world.” said the CS
