The government of China has donated motorbikes to help Kenya address Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) losses stemming from rampant vandalism.
In a statement on March 1, 2024, the Ministry of Transport confirmed receipt of the much-needed relief.
Further, the ministry announced that Kenya Railways will employ motorbikes to conduct inspections along the SGR track, following significant financial losses due to vandalism.
“The Ministry is working collaboratively with partner countries in the advancement of its roads and transport reform agenda aimed at promoting interconnectivity and enhancing seamless movement of people and goods across the country,” read the statement in part.
“The Chinese Government also donated motorbikes to Kenya Railways to be used in the inspection and monitoring of the Standard Gauge Railway line to curb vandalism and ensure optimum functionality,” shared transport ministry.
China Donates Two Pickups to Kenya
Additionally, Chinese government donated two heavy-duty Landcruiser single cabin pickups to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
These vehicles will be sent to Lamu to support the enhancement of the tarmac on the Lamu-Garissa road.
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According to transport ministry, the completed roads will contribute to making the Port of Lamu viable thus facilitating trade from Northern Kenya to Ethiopia and other countries.
This will create job opportunities for the people of Lamu and solidifying Kenya’s position as the region’s primary port.
Since the launch of the SGR in 2017, Kenya Railways has incurred billions in losses due to destruction.
Five months after its construction, vandals carted away materials worth Ksh1.2 billion from the Nairobi-Mombasa standard gauge railway line.
SGR Similar Vandalism Cases
In a previous report, the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBS) noted that equipment worth Ksh300 million was being vandalized every month.
“Losses caused by vandalism and stealing activities are estimated at over Sh300 million per month since the train was launched on June 1,” noted Sia Li, head of public relations at CRBC.
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Also on January 17, 2019, police in Molo laid a trap for over 50 thugs who had destroyed and loaded railway metals worth Ksh1.2 million into a lorry.
In June 2023, a Mariakani court jailed a man to 10 years in prison for vandalizing and endangering the safety of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train commuters.
At the same time, the suspect had destroyed the SGR line fencing post valued at Ksh30,000.
The majority of SGR infrastructure is sought after by dishonest entrepreneurs involved in the scrap metal trade. The components of the SGR most frequently targeted include signal posts, steel bars, and electrical wiring.
