H

THE PROJECT HERALD
The Intelligence Ledger of
Projects, Capital, Companies and Policy

Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)

Country
Kenya
Sector
Transport & Logistics
Intelligence Type
Project
Status / Stage
Operational
Estimated Value
USD 3600000000
Confidence
Highly Confirmed

Project Details

Project TypeStandard Gauge Railway
Project OwnerKenya Railways Corporation (KRC)
Main ContractorChina Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a CCCC subsidiary
Financing InstitutionExport-Import Bank of China (90%); Government of Kenya (10%)
Start DateOctober 2014
Actual CompletionJune 1, 2017 (Mombasa-Nairobi passenger service); January 2018 (freight)
Current PhaseOperational
Funding StatusClosed

Key Issues / Risks

Extension phases (Nairobi-Malaba, onward to Kampala/Kigali) delayed pending financial close on separate financing structures; controversy over procurement transparency and contract disclosure.

Latest Development (Detail)

Fully operational Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha; Nairobi-Naivasha extension (Phase 2A, $1.5bn) also complete. Further extension to Malaba (Uganda border) under review pending financing.

Commercial Opportunity Intelligence

Commercial ReadinessVery Early

Source & Verification Trail

Last VerifiedDecember 2025
Source(s)Wikipedia; PIDA Investment Prospectus; Railway News; The Conversation
Source DateDecember 2025