THE MODERNISED LUNATIC LINE

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THE MODERNISED LUNATIC LINE.


Do you remember back in the olden days when people used to walk from one area to the next because the modern means of transportation was not known? When the richest person then had donkeys,camels and even elephants as their transport means and was the most respected person in the society? Back then it took days to travel either from Mombasa to Kisumu .... I can't even try to imagine the Israelites and how they traveled from Egypt to Canaan. Moses sure had a hard time with the slay queens who couldn't walk ,Lol.

Photo: courtesy of bible stories images.

Wait, think about the relationships ...the likes of Owour Kembo and Akoko. 2017 candidates, does it ring a bell?😂 (The River and the Source). Owour Kembo literally walked a 3 day journey to go pay Akoko's bride price. I tell you, love my friend. So basically I think that's how relationships survived back then, if you love a girl walk a week days' journey to go see her. The relationships were tedious but worth it cause maybe the likes of Kevo, Brayo and Ivan wouldn't have complained of girls "kukula fare".

All in all, transition, revolution and invention gradually took place and invention of the wheel created a path in which better and advanced means of transport other than the chariots were invented.

courtesy: of google photos.

Railway network is not a a new vocabulary in Kenya. The name began way back in the 1890's during the precolonial period where the meter gauge was referred to as "The lunatic line".

The construction of this railway was carried out by labourers from India and it was a huge boost in the Kenyan economy for it linked the Indian Ocean with Lake Victoria and the East African Interior.

The "lunatic line" eventually evolved and the Kenya Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) came into view. In 2011, Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Road and Bridge Corporation to build the railway between Mombasa and Nairobi. The US$3.6 billion railway was the largest infrastructure project in Kenya since Independence.

The standard gauge train, courtesy of google photo.

The construction of the 609km line started in October 2013, and was completed early 2017. The SGR project was 90 per cent funded by China Exim Bank, with the Kenyan government contributing the remaining 10 per cent, which hired about 25,000 Kenyans. By 2016, passenger trains were taking an entire day to travel from Nairobi to Mombasa, compared to 12hrs during the 1990's and now a total of 5hrs to travel.

Most of us have created the notion that the building of this railway has only brought us huge incurred debts in the economy. Basically if you would just sit down and really think about it you'll see that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

For instance, take a look at this;-

1.Job creation.

This has been the top list of the SGR for individuals from diverse professional backgrounds are working at the 33 stations and in the passenger and rolling stock, also to add on job opportunities through entrepreneurship have been created.

2. Increased industrialization.

Immense opportunities for construction related industries have arisen as demand for materials such as, cement, steel, stone, aggregates and glass required for construction of the line and stations increases.

3. Reduced cost of doing business.

With the new line, transport costs have dropped and to top it up the time has also been reduced while accidents which are common in road transport has been eliminated which translates to lower costs of doing business.

4. Urbanisation along its route.

Emergence of trading centers along the 33 stations will boost the Kenyan economy especially in its key growth sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and financial services.

5. Improved tourism opportunities.

The entry of a low cost, comfortable, fast and safe mode of transport to Mombasa coupled with the breathtaking scenery along its route especially the Tsavo National park has boosted the number of domestic and international tourists visiting the region.

6. Improved regional trade.

Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, Kenya's neighbors-and fast clearance at the Mombasa Port, reduced transport cost , faster delivery of goods will make the country the preferred entry point and export route for these nations thus positively affecting the economy.

7. Reduction of Road maintenance cost.

The heavy weight of trucks has been a major contributor to the wear and tear of roads. With the SGR set to take over, freight hauls trucks will be phased out of the roads thus enhancing their longevity.

With the outlined benefits you'll see that the SGR has basically enhanced the Mombasa economy. At times looking at the brighter side of things creates an open mind.

References made from google stories, for more details on the advantages of the SGR can be acquired on this link CALIZ.

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