The government has taken a significant step to enhance the Madaraka Express freight services by acquiring 50 new wagons, as confirmed by Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen. Additionally, another shipment of 250 wagons is anticipated from China later this month.
In emphasizing the importance of this development, CS Murkomen highlighted the government’s commitment to improving rail services and efficiency in Kenya and the region. He noted that the new wagons are part of a strategic initiative to adapt to market dynamics and meet evolving customer demands, ensuring a competitive edge.
This marks the first addition of new wagons since the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in May 2017. Notably, twenty of the procured wagons will be equipped with power plugins, enabling the transportation of refrigerated containers. This innovation is expected to unlock new business potential for the SGR, particularly in supporting the horticultural sector.
To stay competitive, CS Murkomen stressed the importance of continuous improvement in transport infrastructure. The Ministry is committed to developing the necessary human capital, operational assets, and information systems to achieve these goals. The arrival of the new wagons signifies a positive step towards enhancing the capabilities of the Madaraka Express freight services and addressing the changing dynamics of the market.
