Positives and negatives of the standard gauge railway

Being the largest transport infrasructure project in the country since independence, the Standard Gauge Railway has brought many benefits to the Kenyan economy.

      

Madaraka express

By providing a fast, efficient and reliable mode of transportation, the SGR cargo trains help decongest the port of Mombasa by ensuring goods that arrive at the port are moved to the destination without delays.

The SGR enables passangers to enjoy a faster and cheaper journey compared to the eight hour bus trips between Nairobi and Mombasa

It has also brought about job creations. Starting with individuals employed in the construction sector, to the staff from diverse professional backgrounds working at the 33 stations and in the passenger and cargo rolling stock, the project has generated numerous job opportunities.

            

  SGR during construction

Due to the construction, there is increased industralization of the high demand of materials like cement, steel, stone, glass required for construction of the line and stations.

Tourism, being the main contributor to the Kenyan revenue, has been improved .The route via Nairobi- Mombasa has catchy scenes especially Tsavo National Park has boosted the number of international tourists visiting.

The SGR has reduced the number of heavy trucks on the road, reducing the number of accidents. It has also reduced the wear and tear of roads hence reducing road maitenance cost.

Despite the many benefits, the Standard Gauge Railway has it's negative impacts.

The positive aspects of the SGR have brought market disruption and caused loss of income for trucks and bus owners and job loss for turn boys and truck leaders.

The small businesses between towns that are heavily reliant on trucks and buses are in danger, of economic downfall as establishments like hotels and lodgings collapse due to lack of customers.

The SGR caused involuntary resettlement. During construction, some residents were forced to relocate. Well resettlement because of infrastructure development is a common phenomenon in Kenya. Although there is compensation, relocation to a new location is hard even with adequate compensation.