As Kenya embarks on one of the most ambitious railway modernization programs in its history, support for Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga continues to grow among policymakers, particularly members of the National Assembly’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
The backing comes at a critical moment when Kenya Railways is implementing major projects aimed at transforming the country’s transport and logistics sector, positioning Kenya as East Africa’s leading trade and mobility hub.
Committee members have pointed to the corporation’s recent achievements under Mainga’s leadership, including the continued growth of freight and passenger services on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), expansion of commuter rail services in Nairobi, and renewed efforts to integrate Kenya’s railway network with neighboring East African countries.
At the center of this transformation is the implementation of Kenya Railways’ 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, which seeks to strengthen regional trade corridors, modernize urban transport systems, and reduce the cost of moving goods across the country.
One of the flagship initiatives is the planned extension of the SGR from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba, a project expected to significantly enhance trade between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Legislators view the project as a strategic investment that will cement Kenya’s position as the gateway to East and Central Africa.
Members of the Transport Committee have also welcomed progress on the Nairobi Railway City Project, a landmark urban regeneration initiative that will transform underutilized railway land into a modern transport and commercial hub.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs while easing congestion in the capital through the integration of commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit and other public transport systems.
Beyond infrastructure development, lawmakers have praised Kenya Railways for reviving key metre-gauge railway lines and strengthening operations at Kisumu Port, initiatives aimed at lowering logistics costs and stimulating economic activity in various regions of the country.
Those behind Mainga argue that the ongoing projects demonstrate a clear strategic vision for the future of rail transport and have restored confidence in the corporation’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure programs.
The committee has further noted that major infrastructure projects often require continuity of leadership to ensure successful implementation, especially at a time when Kenya Railways is overseeing multiple high-value projects with regional significance.
With the SGR expansion, Nairobi Railway City, commuter rail modernization and regional integration projects entering crucial phases, Members of Parliament believe sustained leadership at Kenya Railways will be essential to maintaining momentum and delivering the long-term economic benefits envisioned under the corporation’s strategic plan.
The next two years will be decisive not only for Kenya Railways but also for Kenya’s broader economic ambitions, making experienced leadership a key factor in ensuring the success of projects that could reshape transportation, trade and urban development for decades to come.
