President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed interest in revamping the country’s railway system with the help of international partners.
Speaking on Wednesday, November 24, Uhuru stated that restoring the railway system is a project the country is prioritizing, and working with the firm will see more African countries emulate the same.
He appealed to South African manufacturing firm, Transnet Engineering company, to partner with Kenya and ensure that the railway system in the country is restored.
“The advanced engineering that is taking place here is a clear indication that Transnet can be a leading partner in working together with other African countries to restore their rail-stock.
“We look forward to working with you as we move towards fast-tracking the restoration of our railway system,” President Kenyatta stated.
During a tour of the firm in Koedoespoort, Pretoria, Kenyatta stated that as Kenya has a large economy in its region, South Africa is also a large economy in its region and working together would go way beyond the two countries.
He mentioned that a swift railway system in the two countries would see the East African and the Southern African Development Communities’ economies transform.
“We need this inter-connectivity to be able to facilitate that movement and the only way we can do that is by bringing the corporations responsible for transport to partner and start developing these rails, roads, sea and air linkages in our respective countries,” Uhuru noted.
Uhuru was finalizing his three-day visit to South Africa, in the company of Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia.
His move came at a time when the country was determined to revive the transport sector. The Standard Gauge Railway and the Metre Gauge Railway are some of the biggest ongoing rail projects in the country.
One of the main reasons for the projects is to ensure that the country is open to many opportunities, as transport will be made easier.
