The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project has lived to its expectation, and the progress is commendable, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.
Speaking at the launch of SGR cargo operations from Nairobi to Naivasha on Tuesday, President Kenyatta said he is proud of the project, adding that it will transform the lives of millions, as well as spur economic growth of the nation in different ways.
The new route has since allowed for extension of services to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD).
The Head of State said more than 10,000 passengers can now use the service, hence reducing cases of traffic snarl-ups and unnecessary delays in the roads.
“To date, the Madaraka Express has moved more than 10,000 passengers (on the Nairobi-Naivasha route), with demand significantly outstripping our carrying capacity,” said the President.
The president noted that the demand for transport services along the route, is among the reasons why he opted to advocate for the construction of the project.
He asked Kenyans to support the government in the realisation of the Big Four Agenda before he completes his tenure in office.
President Kenyatta reiterated that his government has shown significant commitment towards infrastructural development in Kenya.
“From the beginning of my administration, we prioritised addressing this historical under-investment in our railway network,” he said.