Ugandan Parliamentary Committee: Kenya Railways Benchmarking Rail Sector

• Ugandan parliamentary committees visited Kenya Railways from August 31 to September 5, 2026, for a benchmarking exercise focused on railway cooperation and regional integration.
• The delegation, led by Hon. Mwine Mpaka and Hon. Amos Kankunda, toured key facilities in Nairobi, Naivasha, and Mombasa, gaining insights into operations, maintenance, and safety.
• Kenya Railways Managing Director, Mr. Philip Mainga, stressed the non-negotiable need for regional collaboration to enhance transport efficiency and develop economic corridors.
• Discussions covered the East Africa SGR Master Plan, planned extensions to Kisumu and Malaba, and integrating rail with lake transport via Lake Victoria.
• Ugandan officials commended Kenya Railways' investment in skills development and recognized Uganda's strategic role as a transit hub for regional cargo.

This benchmarking exercise signals a concerted effort towards advancing regional railway integration and the East Africa SGR Master Plan.

A high-level delegation comprising members from the Ugandan Parliament's Committee on Physical Infrastructure and Budget Committee recently concluded a significant benchmarking visit with Kenya Railways. The exercise, which took place from August 31 to September 5, 2026, aimed to foster stronger railway cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and explore avenues for deeper regional integration within the East African rail sector. Led by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, Chairperson of the Physical Infrastructure Committee, and Hon. Amos Kankunda, Chairperson of the Budget Committee, the Ugandan delegation was officially received by Mr. Philip Mainga, EBS, the Managing Director of Kenya Railways.

The visiting Members of Parliament embarked on an extensive tour of key Kenya Railways facilities located across Nairobi, Naivasha, and Mombasa. This immersive experience provided them with valuable insights into various aspects of railway operations, including rolling stock maintenance, the delivery of both passenger and freight services, safety training protocols, and the rich history embedded in railway heritage. This initiative underscores a concerted effort towards advancing regional railway integration and the East Africa SGR Master Plan, signaling a pivotal moment for Uganda Kenya railway cooperation.

During the engagement, Mr. Mainga emphasized the critical importance of robust regional collaboration to fully unlock the vast potential of railway transport across East Africa. He articulated that such cooperation is 'non-negotiable,' stressing that East African nations must unite to enhance the efficiency of goods and services transportation for their populations. Mr. Mainga highlighted Kenya's dual experience in operating both the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) as complementary networks, further outlining plans to develop Commercial and Logistics Hubs along existing railway corridors, thereby transforming them into vital economic arteries.

Hon. Mpaka echoed this sentiment, asserting that strengthened cooperation between Kenya and Uganda is fundamental to realizing Uganda's full railway potential and significantly improving regional cargo movement. He underscored Uganda's strategic geographical position as a crucial transit and distribution hub for cargo destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi. Discussions during the visit also delved into the broader East Africa SGR Master Plan, including proposed extensions to Kisumu and Malaba, and exploring opportunities to seamlessly integrate rail and lake transport via Lake Victoria, further solidifying regional rail integration East Africa.

A significant portion of the benchmarking exercise involved practical demonstrations and site visits. At the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, the Ugandan MPs received detailed briefings on the processes for cargo evacuation and transhipment along the Northern Corridor. This included specific insights into the efficient transfer of SGR cargo to the MGR via the 24-kilometer Naivasha link, a crucial point for Naivasha Inland Container Depot cargo. The delegation also toured the Nairobi Central Workshops, the Nairobi Railway Museum, and the Staff Safety Training Centre located in Syokimau.

Commending Kenya Railways' commitment to human capital development, Hon. Kankunda praised their investment in skills development and certification at the Safety Training Centre. He remarked that 'Capacity development must be our starting point,' acknowledging Kenya Railways' efforts in railway training, skills transfer, and certification. The itinerary also included a visit to the Nairobi Terminus, a journey to Mombasa aboard the Madaraka Express, and a subsequent visit to the Kenya Ports Authority, providing a comprehensive overview of the entire logistics chain.

This benchmarking exercise signals a concerted effort towards advancing regional railway integration and the East Africa SGR Master Plan. The emphasis placed on operational efficiency, strategic infrastructure development, and human resource capacity building by both Kenyan and Ugandan officials underscores a shared vision for a more connected and economically vibrant East Africa. The call for 'non-negotiable' regional collaboration by Kenya Railways' Managing Director highlights the strategic imperative of this partnership, particularly for enhancing the flow of goods and services across borders.

Lawyers advising clients in logistics, infrastructure, or cross-border trade should closely monitor upcoming policy developments, potential tenders, and regulatory harmonisation efforts that will undoubtedly stem from this increased cooperation between Kenya and Uganda in the rail sector. The detailed discussions around the East Africa SGR Master Plan and its extensions, alongside the focus on integrating various transport modes, suggest a future landscape ripe with opportunities for legal and business engagement as East Africa moves towards a more integrated and efficient regional rail network.

This benchmarking exercise signals a concerted effort towards advancing regional railway integration and the East Africa SGR Master Plan. Lawyers advising clients in logistics, infrastructure, or cross-border trade should monitor upcoming policy developments, potential tenders, and regulatory harmonisation efforts that will stem from this increased cooperation between Kenya and Uganda in the rail sector.

Source: Original reporting via {source}