President William Ruto has officially launched the reconstruction of the Voi–Mwatate–Taveta railway line.
Reports indicate that the railway line had remained inactive for nearly two decades after the collapse of freight and passenger services along the corridor.
According to reports, yhe railway, once a key transport link between Kenya and northern Tanzania, had fallen into disuse following a steady decline in operations.
In an announcement made by President Ruto, the government is set to spend Sh5.5 billion on the rehabilitation of the Metre Gauge Railway line.
President Ruto unveils reconstruction of Voi-Taveta railway line
According to the Head of State, the renewed line is expected to reconnect the historic Mombasa–Voi–Taveta–Moshi–Arusha–Singida–Bujumbura trade route.
The restored corridor is projected to shorten the distance between Mombasa and Bujumbura by 358 kilometres.
The President also revealed that the project will position Voi as a strategic logistics hub linking the Port of Mombasa with the Taveta–Holili One-Stop Border Post on the Kenya–Tanzania border.
It will improve the movement of goods and people across the three countries.
He further noted that the railway will also open up economic opportunities in the region, including the exploitation of Taita-Taveta’s mining potential and improved export and import of agricultural produce.
“It will create more job opportunities for young people in Taita-Taveta County and beyond, boosting trade and spurring growth of the local economy,” he said.
