Kenya’s Chinese-built railway rolls into operation, tolls the bell on limping RVR

A Rift Valley Railways cargo train passes the standard gauge railway terminus in Mtito Andei, Kenya. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE

Uncertainty is hanging over the fate of Rift Valley Railways (RVR) after Kenya ushered in a new era in rail transport with the commissioning of the standard gauge railway.

By all accounts, the start of operations of the SGR marks the ultimate demise of the 118-year-old metre gauge railway operated by RVR despite the company maintaining it is still in business and determined to compete.