Editor’s note: Shen Shiwei is a research fellow with the Charhar Institute and former business and government relations consultant permanently staying in several African countries. The article reflects the author’s opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

Another train arrived at the modern Nairobi Terminus. It is the right time to mark the first anniversary of the Chinese-funded Madaraka Express, which connects Kenya’s capital and its main port Mombasa. It is also the time to expect stronger bonds through railways within the East Africa Community (EAC). 

A game-changer railway reshapes Kenya

The 480-kilometer-long Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) or the Madaraka Express in Kenya has brought tremendous changes since its inaugural journey last May. Kenya's government estimates that the national economy will grow by at least 1.5 percent annually and multiplier effects are happening in this leading economic powerhouse of East Africa. 

Data from the China Road and Bridge Cooperation (CRBC), the main contractor and service provider, shows that the railway has transported over 1.32 million passengers, or 3,676 passengers per day as of May 26. The average attendance rate exceeded 95%. 

Vibrant human flow has thrived tourism and hotels. It is estimated at least 30,000 jobs were directly and indirectly created, mainly for young people. 

Faster, more efficient and at lower cost, 61,482TEU (Twenty-feet Equivalent Unit) cargoes transported though the SGR as of May 26. The Inland Container Depot (ICD) at the Embakasi district of Nairobi offers a one-stop-service to facilitate custom clearance. Government agencies like Kenya Railways, Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority are getting together to formulate a better and efficient system than those in Mombasa. The ICD is attracting more cargoes to generate cash for the railway. 

Seizing business opportunities, more industrial parks and special economic zones were established. Foreign and local investors could expand manufacturing, put products on the railway and export with full efficiency. Kenya is upgrading its manufacturing and export potential. 

'Debt trap' or 'industrialization injection'?

The alleged China’s “debt trap” created by Western countries is poisoning the good momentum of China-Africa cooperation, especially when the FOCAC Summit in Beijing is approaching. 

Indeed, China is the largest holder of Kenyan external debt. But according to the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, the situation is normal for any country aspiring to develop. 

The African continent has been lagging behind in industrialization because of its interconnection deficit, even internal transportation. Therefore, creating modern and reliable infrastructure through various finance sources including China to achieve goals in the Kenya Vision 2030, which is industrialization, middle-income and a high quality of life in a clean and secure environment become quiet essential. 

Nairobi is not the end of the railway. Another bold move is to continue to construct railway from Nairobi to Malaba, Kenya’s western border with Uganda. 

It is estimated the Eastern Africa railway system will further connect Uganda and Rwanda through Malaba. The railway under construction will boost logistics in the Lake Victoria by linking railways with ports like Kisumu. Landlocked Uganda and Rwanda will benefit from that. 

Listed as a pilot and demonstration country of China-Africa industrial capacity cooperation, Kenya’s ambition to modernize the transport sector got good response from investors at home and abroad, including China. 

Chinese enterprises have invested 100 million US dollars to establish the Industrialization Research, Development and Production Base in Kenya. 

Another 80 million US dollars investment goes to Twyford, the biggest ceramics company in East Africa. 

Moreover, Chinese enterprises invested two billion US dollars in building an industrial park in Eldoret near the railway. 

All these efforts will greatly enhance Kenya's industrial capacity and create a large number of jobs. 

China-Africa gets more beyond railways

By frequent direct routes through Kenya Airways and China Southern Airlines, growing Chinese tourists are rushing to Kenya for safari and others. At the same time, more Kenyan businessman and students are pursuing their dreams in China, including mastering skills of railway construction and maintenance. 

By building railways, China and Kenya knows each other much better. By visiting railways, more African people reassure that China is a brother and friend indeed. 

Today, more and more Chinese people are devoting themselves into the industrialization, infrastructure construction, wildlife protection and social charity, among many others, not only in Kenya but across the African continent. 

Shen Shiwei is a fellow of the Charhar Institute

Source: CGTN.2018-5-31

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