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.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran see...
As Russian officials praise Georgia’s “pragmatic” approach towards Moscow, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has explained why he will not descri...
Europe is facing more frequent and prolonged extreme heat, with climate change making heatwaves increasingly intense and widespread, the World Meteoro...
One hundred years after the First World War and more than eighty years after the devastation of the Second World War gave rise to the United Nations, humanity once again finds itself living in an age of permanent crisis.
Flights arriving at Catania airport in eastern Sicily were suspended after volcanic ash from a new eruption of Mount Etna drifted into the airspace around the airport, disrupting operations at one of Italy’s busiest aviation hubs.
For months, efforts to secure the Red Sea have focused on what is happening in the water. Naval deployments have increased, governments have expanded maritime cooperation and shipping companies have adapted to persistent security threats.
Greenland has issued a “strong warning” to a U.S. oil company linked to President Donald Trump after drilling equipment was brought ashore without the required government approvals, according to British media.
Iran said it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the U.S. must meet other conditions.
Europe is facing more frequent and prolonged extreme heat, with climate change making heatwaves increasingly intense and widespread, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned on Tuesday.
Russia's northern NATO neighbours are tightening security around critical infrastructure amid growing concern that Moscow could stage a “false flag” attack using Ukrainian drones.
Kyrgyzstan has proposed hosting part of Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries’ warehouse and logistics network, aiming to reduce supply-chain risks and strengthen trade with Russia.
North Korea has deployed troops, weapons and now, according to a Ukrainian intelligence official, a missile unit to support Russia's war against Ukraine, marking Pyongyang's most significant involvement in a war since the 1950s.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for decades of deaths and damage, adding a new demand to peace talks as Tehran seeks compensation and sanctions relief before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment