The first locomotive train (vehicle) intended to use the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi is expected to arrive in November this year.
This is according to China Road and Bridge Corporation's (CRBC) Manager for External Relations and Cooperation, Julius Li who said 50 percent of the SGR construction was already complete.
"Over 50 percent of the construction work has been completed and the first locomotive train is expected in the ports of Mombasa in November this year," said Li.
Li who addressed the press at the CRBC's Section 9 site in Mavoko, Machakos County on Tuesday, said SGR is the largest development project that Kenya has achieved after several years.
He said upon completion, the project will provide employment to locals, boost business across the country and reduce costs of transportation of goods and people.
"The project's implementation has received support from various different players including leaderships of the county governments," said Li.
He said 48% of the bridges have been completed so far and laying of train track lanes will commence in November, according to CRBC's strategic plan.
"The entire project is expected to be complete by mid 2016. The construction of 33 substations between Mombasa and Nairobi begins at the end of this month," he added.
According to Li, the SGR project has led to the establishment of a training base in Nairobi, with over 15,000 technical workers and 14 engineers.