Kenya Railways Provides Update on Railroad Connecting Tanzania
Kenya Railways has confirmed that 70% of the earthworks on the 130-kilometre Voi-Taita metre gauge railway (MGR) line are now complete.
The rehabilitation project is planned to improve regional connectivity, increase cargo traffic, and generate new economic opportunities along the route.
The railway project aims to restore a vital transportation link between Kenya and Tanzania.
Kenya Railways stated in a statement on Sunday, July 19, that building on the railway line has been gradually progressing since President William Ruto commissioned it in April 2026.
“The rehabilitation of the 130-kilometre Voi-Taveta Meter Gauge Railway Line has reached another significant milestone, with 70 per cent of the earthworks now complete,” Kenya Railways stated in a statement.
The rehabilitation of the 130 – kilometre Voi – Taveta Meter Gauge Railway Line has reached another significant milestone, with 70% of the earthworks now complete, while continuing to create employment opportunities for local communities and stimulate economic activity across pic.twitter.com/FheY8Bjz4H— Kenya Railways (@KenyaRailways_) July 19, 2026
According to the firm, the current projects continue to create job opportunities in local communities while also assisting businesses involved in construction and related services.
The revived railway line is expected to play a significant role in boosting cross-border trade, reducing transportation costs, supporting tourism, and opening up investment opportunities in the region.
Once complete, the railway will provide an efficient and cost-effective transport link for passengers and freight between Voi in Taita-Taveta County and Taveta, connecting Kenya’s railway network to Tanzania.
A major component of the project is the development of a dry port in Voi, which is expected to position the town as a strategic logistics and trade centre.
The facility will support cargo handling and strengthen Voi’s role as a link between Kenya’s coastal region and neighbouring Tanzania.
The rehabilitation project will also see the construction of new railway stations at Voi, Mwatate, Bura, Maktau and Taveta.
The Taveta Station will serve as an important connection point between Kenya’s rail network and Tanzania, strengthening regional integration.
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The railway line has been non-operational for over 20 years, with its revival expected to unlock opportunities for locals, especially in trade.
Once complete, cargo arriving at the Port of Mombasa via the SGR will now be transshipped at Voi onto the revitalised metre-gauge branch line.
It will then move through the Taveta Inland Container Depot and onwards across the border into Tanzania and eventually reach Burundi and Rwanda.
Originally built by British forces during World War I for military logistics, the line traverses a scenic route bordering Tsavo East National Park.
Beyond its history, officials say the revival will serve as a commercial lifeline for the region’s massive sisal plantations and the growing mining sector.
According to President Ruto, the Voi-Taveta Meter Gauge Railway is expected to become operational by April 2027, with the contractor ramping up construction to meet the completion timeline.
Kenya Railways Provides Update on Railroad Connecting Tanzania
