President Uhuru to open Nairobi-Naivasha phase of SGR

Some of the equipment installed for the second phase of SGR. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

The second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), from Nairobi to Naivasha, will officially be opened tomorrow.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will preside over the launch during which he will also be commissioning works on the Internal Container Depot at the dry port near Mai Mahiu town.

The launch comes against the backdrop of reports that a group of residents has gone to court to stop the relocation of families living on the 1,000-acre land earmarked for the special economic zone.

But according to Naivasha sub-county commissioner Mbogo Mathioya, all is set for the event that will start at Syokimau and end in Mai Mahiu.

Mr Mathioya said President Uhuru will open various stations along the way.

Speaking after touring the site where the function will be held, the commissioner said the Government was aware of the court case.

“The case is being handled by the concerned Government department as the affected families had been compensated by Kedong ranch with 4,000 acres,” he said.

However, Narok East MP Ken Aramat said more than 10,000 families would be affected by the project and the 4,000 acres provided would not be enough.

Traders welcomed the launch, saying it would open up businesses and towns served by the railway.