An aerial view of Olkaria II Geothermal Power Plant in Naivasha. [Photo/ Renewable Kenya]
Even before the dust settles on the successful launch of the Standard Gauge Railway, work is already going on to extend the SGR line from Nairobi to Naivasha, a move that will open up the town to many economic activities. The work on the 120km-Nairobi-Naivasha route has been going on since the beginning of the year, following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s successful acquisition of funding from a Chinese bank for the project, popularly referred to as SGR Phase 2A. The construction is being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation, Kenya. Apart from being one of the major tourism hubs in Kenya, Naivasha is also the country’s centre of geothermal production. The railway line with not affect wildlife at Nairobi National Park, which is along the way, as there are plans to construct a 6km bridge across the park. This move has left many environmental activists very satisfied with the venture. According to Engineer Maxwell Mengich, SGR 2A will forever change the face of Kajiado County — by opening up Twala, Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Bulbul and Ngong towns.A train on the route is expected to take 1 hour, which will be a lot faster than using vehicles, which are prone to accidents on the dangerous Nairobi-Naivasha road. Just like the Nairobi-Mombasa line, this phase 2 will also be much cheaper and convenient, opening up the Naivasha to more visitors from the capital, thereby promoting tourism and hospitality industry. To attract investors to set up industries at designated zones near Naivasha’s Olkaria area, President Kenyatta said the government will offer subsidized power tariffs. The companies will also have their power connected directly from power plants in the area to ensure uninterrupted supplies.The project will cost an estimated Sh150 billion and will be completed within the next few months. Eventually, the SGR will reach Kisumu, passing through Nakuru, Kisii among other towns along the way.