Kenya-Uganda railway cooperation has been renewed to improve Northern Corridor freight flows and cross-border cargo movement.
As Railways Africa reported, the discussions focused on better rail links between the two countries. They also covered cargo-handling efficiency, closer SGR and MGR integration, and rail’s role in regional trade logistics.
Kenya-Uganda railway cooperation on the Northern Corridor
The talks also highlighted border delays. Integrated SGR and MGR networks can eliminate transloading delays at crossings. That helps protect cold-chain integrity for horticultural cargo and other perishable shipments.
Kenya Railways Board Chairman Abdi Bare Duale said Kenya Railways remains committed to smooth transit cargo movement. This covers the route between the Port of Mombasa and the Malaba border. He also said the operator is developing a commercially sustainable freight business. That business is intended to handle rising trade volumes and support wider regional economic integration.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga pointed to continuing investment in railway infrastructure. He also cited locomotive maintenance and rolling stock rehabilitation. These measures are intended to improve service reliability and the customer experience.
In addition, improved rail reliability means shorter transit times for perishable cargo. The shipments move from Mombasa to landlocked markets, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
Uganda Railways Corporation backs MGR rehabilitation
On Uganda’s side, Uganda Railways Corporation Board Chairman Daudi Migereko said the two governments continue to support railway revitalization. He also cited infrastructure development. Uganda has allocated funding for rehabilitation, maintenance, and operation of its Meter Gauge Railway network as import and export cargo volumes increase.
URC Managing Director Benon Kajuna stressed stronger cooperation between regional railway operators. He linked that cooperation to improved efficiency and higher competitiveness. He also linked it to meeting growing demand for rail freight services across East Africa.
SGR and MGR integration supports freight reliability
The two railway companies also reviewed possible areas of technical cooperation. These include staff training, operational coordination, and expansion of rolling stock capacity. The steps are aimed at improving freight reliability and customer service on one of East Africa’s main trade corridors.
For logistics investors and fresh-produce supply chains, Kenya-Uganda railway cooperation points to a coordinated effort to revitalize the Northern Corridor. The Port of Mombasa remains the main gateway for landlocked East Africa. Meanwhile, rail performance directly affects transit times for perishable cargo.
The bilateral cooperation is centered on economic integration through a more efficient and commercially sustainable transport network across East Africa.