China and Kenya have agreed to revive a long-delayed railway project, signalling renewed momentum in infrastructure cooperation and a shift towards more sustainable financing models across Africa.
The project centres on extending Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a major transport corridor developed with Chinese support under the Belt and Road Initiative. Construction had been stalled for more than six years after funding slowed amid concerns over debt levels and economic viability.
Under the renewed agreement, both sides are adopting a revised financing approach. Rather than relying heavily on large government loans, Kenya is exploring alternative funding methods, including revenue from a railway development levy. This is expected to ease financial pressure while allowing the project to progress.
Chinese firms, including China Road and Bridge Corporation, are expected to continue playing a central role in construction. The restart follows a series of negotiations aimed at restructuring earlier arrangements and aligning the project with Kenya’s current economic priorities.
The railway extension is seen as vital for regional connectivity. Once completed, it is expected to link the port city of Mombasa with neighbouring countries such as Uganda, strengthening trade routes across East Africa. The initial phase, completed in 2017, already connects Mombasa to Nairobi and parts of the interior, but the incomplete extension has long limited its full potential.
Kenyan President William Ruto has emphasised the importance of completing the railway, describing it as key to reducing transport costs, boosting trade and supporting long-term economic growth. Reviving stalled infrastructure projects has become a priority for his administration as it seeks to stimulate development.
For China, the renewed partnership reflects an evolving strategy in overseas investment. Rather than relying solely on large-scale lending, its involvement is increasingly shifting towards shared-risk models and more financially sustainable cooperation.
The revival of the railway project is being closely watched as a test case for future China–Africa partnerships. It highlights how previously stalled mega-projects can be brought back on track through adjusted financing, sustained diplomatic engagement and a shared commitment to long-term development goals.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 Se...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told ...
Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest contract chipmaker, is investing $2 billion to build a new fabrication plant in Wuxi, China as p...
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 September.
From mounting concerns over record global debt levels to growing tensions over China's trade surplus and Russia's return to the negotiating table, this year's G20 finance meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, highlighted the challenges confronting the global economy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected claims that Moroccan authorities orchestrated July’s deadly mass border crossing into Ceuta, saying Spain has found no evidence that Rabat planned or carried out the incident.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service, PET, has warned that Russia is actively preparing sabotage operations against targets in the country, with defence companies supporting Ukraine seen as a particular focus.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The latest escalation between the United States and Iran is being fought not only on the ground and at sea, but increasingly in the skies above the Gulf where a missile launch or intercepted drone can force an aircraft thousands of metres above the region to change course.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment