By Philip Mwakio
The Kenya Railways is developing a comprehensive commuter rail service at the Coast. The services will connect Mombasa and Lamu via Kilifi and Malindi. The line will then link Taveta border town via Voi and Maktau.
It will also connect Ramisi near the large scale Kwale International Sugar Company via Dongo Kundu and Ngombeni in Kwale County.
Kenya Railways has engaged a consultant to undertake feasibility study and preliminary design, which is expected to be complete by August, said a statement seen by The Standard On Saturday.
“Subsequently, the firm is seeking to develop the project. It will be developed to introduce modern high-speed commuter trains along the network.’’
Meanwhile, Taita-Taveta County Governor, John Mtuta Mruttu had hinted at the possibility of looking for private investors to fast track repair and upgrade of the Voi-Taveta branch line. The line ceased operations over a decade ago. The Voi-Taveta line was built in 1924 connecting Tanga-Moshi-Arusha line to the then Uganda Railways. “This track is in a poor state. It cannot be rehabilitated for commercial use,’’ KR observed.
The State owned firm said the inclusion of the Voi-Taveta line in the proposed Coast region commuter service was to rebuilt it to higher standards. The parastatal noted that the Voi-Taveta line would form part of the East African Railways Master plan, which has been approved by the East African Community and is waiting development funding.
The Voi-Taveta link is regarded as a vital link between Kenya and Tanzania and making it operational would facilitate easy movement of freight and passengers.
