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 UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near...
The United Nations' top human rights official has called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities, citing a...
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead a...
An aircraft roughly the size of a car crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper on Friday evening, triggering a major emergency response and a heavy p...
Montenegrin police, working alongside the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation, have arrested an Iranian national accused of carrying out a ...
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
The United Nations' top human rights official has called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities, citing a rise in fatalities among people held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
An aircraft roughly the size of a car crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper on Friday evening, triggering a major emergency response and a heavy police presence as authorities sealed off the area and gave no immediate explanation for the incident.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
The Kremlin has denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming Moscow is pressuring Belarus to support an expanded Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of people are still unaccounted for after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. At least 589 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds are believed to be trapped under rubble, as emergency crews and international rescue teams race to respond.
The United Nations' top human rights official has called for independent investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration detention facilities, citing a rise in fatalities among people held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
An aircraft roughly the size of a car crashed into Beijing's tallest skyscraper on Friday evening, triggering a major emergency response and a heavy police presence as authorities sealed off the area and gave no immediate explanation for the incident.
Montenegrin police, working alongside the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation, have arrested an Iranian national accused of carrying out a series of cyberattacks that allegedly caused an estimated $3.4 billion in damage to U.S. infrastructure.
South Korea is set to dramatically expand its unmanned warfare capabilities, with plans to integrate drones across all branches of its military as tensions with North Korea continue to shape the country's defence strategy.
Fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have begun to recover following an interim U.S.–Iran agreement aimed at stabilising the waterway after months of disruption during conflict, industry data shows.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment