MOMBASA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Launched on May 31, 2017, the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR, financed mainly by China and constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), has injected fresh vitality into Kenya's economic pillars, including tourism, manufacturing and agriculture, through enhanced mobility of passengers, goods and services.
According to Philip Mainga, the managing director of state-owned Kenya Railways Corporation, the modern railway has transported 20 million tons of cargo and about 8 million passengers in the last five years, elevating Kenya's status as regional manufacturing, trade and logistics hub.
Gloria Chahonyo, who has been in the hospitality industry for decades, told Xinhua that the SGR has contributed largely to the success of tourism in the port city of Mombasa.
"I have been in hospitality for almost 20 years, but I think SGR was a great idea. I think it opens up the coast not only to the international market. I feel the most important market which is our core market in Bamburi beach is the local market. SGR was the best thing for that. It's affordable. It's quick. It's easy to get to for most of the people. So for tourism, I think it's a good thing. I feel that it will open up the border for us as well, seeing as we are the gateway to the landlocked countries in East Africa," Gloria Chahonyo said.
Small and medium-sized enterprises have also seen a change in growth in terms of business.
This has created employment and business opportunities around the railway stations and towns along the various stops from Mombasa to Nairobi.
Beatrice Mbiku, a female cashier at a nearby restaurant, said that a large influx of travelers has made her business thrive and created additional jobs for local youth.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
