×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Read Offline Anywhere
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now
The Standard

SGR four years on – the hits and misses

By Macharia Kamau | 4yrs ago
A section of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train at Syokimau in Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

On May 31, 2017, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger service made its maiden trip from Mombasa to Nairobi. 

The launch of the Madaraka Express was greeted with both cheer and jeer, with the optimists noting it could significantly boost travel while opposers argued the high cost of building the railway would overshadow any good from it.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in

Related Topics

SGR Standard Gauge Railway Madaraka Express Service
.

Similar Articles

Christmas fever: Five was to avoid borrowing without a realistic repayment plan
Christmas fever: Five was to avoid borrowing without a realistic repayment plan
With inflation soaring and the cost of living showing no signs of easing, many Kenyan households are increasingly turning to digital credit to bridge their financial gaps.
Opinion
By Agnes Muthoni
5 hrs ago
Stakeholders push for youth-led solutions to East Africa's agriculture challenges
Stakeholders push for youth-led solutions to East Africa's agriculture challenges
Participants highlighted the urgency of youth involvement, emphasising inclusivity in agricultural practices and capacity building.
Business
By Esther Nyambura
7 hrs ago
Right direction for the country, Mbadi defends Safaricom stake sale
Right direction for the country, Mbadi defends Safaricom stake sale
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the government's plan to sell 15 per cent of its 35 per cent Safaricom stake for Sh204.3 billion, dismissing concerns over.
Business
By Ronald Kipruto
8 hrs ago
Who owns Kenya?: 2pc control over half of arable land
Who owns Kenya?: 2pc control over half of arable land
A handful of Kenyans hold more than half of arable land, which is largely idle with allegations that a substantial proportion of this land has been acquired irregularly.
Business
By Macharia Kamau
14 hrs ago
Treasury pockets Sh245b from Safaricom sale
Treasury pockets Sh245b from Safaricom sale
Vodacom also agreed to buy the right to receive future Safaricom dividends and will make an upfront payment of Sh40.2 billion to the Treasury.
Business
By Brian Ngugi and Graham Kajilwa
14 hrs ago
Mbadi: Cash raised from Safaricom shares sale to fund infrastructure
Mbadi: Cash raised from Safaricom shares sale to fund infrastructure
The government’s planned sale of a 15 per cent stake of its shareholding in Safaricom to Vodafone Kenya for Sh244.5 billion will help to raise money for critical infrastructure projects.
Business
By Graham Kajilwa
15 hrs ago
CS Joho on spot over licencing of Devki's multi-billion iron ore deal
CS Joho on spot over licencing of Devki's multi-billion iron ore deal
The Ministry of Mining is on the spot for issuing Devki Group of Companies permission to extract iron ore for his Sh11 billion steel plant without consent from ranch owners.
Business
By Renson Mnyamwezi
17 hrs ago
Global firm acquires local insurance platform mTek
Global firm acquires local insurance platform mTek
Kenyan-based digital insurance platform mTek has been acquired by Bolttech. The move advances Bolttech’s strategic goals in East Africa and enhances the group’s global embedded insurance capabilities.
Business
By Nanjinia Wamuswa
23 hrs ago
Gulf bank unveils financing solution for pilgrim travelers
Gulf bank unveils financing solution for pilgrim travelers
The expo took place on November 29, 2025, at Business Bay Square Mall, in Eastleigh Nairobi.  
Business
By Selina Mutua
1 day ago
Multi-sectoral network calls for Sh9.7 million grant funding application for resilient cities
Multi-sectoral network calls for Sh9.7 million grant funding application for resilient cities
The Million Lives Collective on Wednesday joined forces with the Judith Neilson Foundation to call for $75,000 (Sh9,708,750) grant funding to design.
Real Estate
By Selina Mutua
1 day ago
.

Latest Stories

Christmas fever: Five was to avoid borrowing without a realistic repayment plan
Christmas fever: Five was to avoid borrowing without a realistic repayment plan
Opinion
By Agnes Muthoni
5 hrs ago
Stakeholders push for youth-led solutions to East Africa's agriculture challenges
Business
By Esther Nyambura
7 hrs ago
Right direction for the country, Mbadi defends Safaricom stake sale
Business
By Ronald Kipruto
8 hrs ago
Who owns Kenya?: 2pc control over half of arable land
Business
By Macharia Kamau
14 hrs ago
.

The Standard Insider

.

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

join Digger Classifieds telegram channel
The Standard
© 2025. The Standard Group PLC. All rights reserved