Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga has intensified efforts to position the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as a key driver of trade, investment and regional economic integration after leading a high-level investment meeting with diplomats, Chinese investors and private sector leaders aboard the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Naivasha.
The engagement, hosted on Friday, brought together China’s Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regional envoys and business leaders to explore how industries in Naivasha and across the Rift Valley can leverage the Madaraka Express Freight Service to move cargo efficiently between production centres and the Port of Mombasa.
The discussions focused on strengthening export logistics, attracting fresh investments and expanding the use of rail freight as businesses increasingly seek faster and more affordable transport solutions.
Mr Mainga said strategic partnerships and improved connectivity were critical to unlocking new opportunities for agriculture, manufacturing and regional commerce.
“Strategic investments and partnerships can enhance regional performance and strengthen economic integration within the East African Community,” he said.
The delegation later toured Vertical Agro Limited, an Export Processing Zone company specialising in processing vegetables and fruits for international markets, as an example of how modern rail logistics are transforming Kenya’s export value chain.
The company became the first exporter to utilise Kenya Railways’ reefer wagon service under the zero-tariff China export programme after its inaugural refrigerated cargo was flagged off from the Nairobi Terminus in March 2026.
The reefer wagon service enables temperature-controlled transportation of perishable produce using powered refrigerated containers, helping exporters reduce transit times, preserve product quality and lower transport costs while cutting carbon emissions.
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The investment meeting also drew senior regional and international leaders, including Deputy Director-General for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jane Makori, Democratic Republic of Congo Ambassador Leon Francois Yandouma
Others were Tanzania High Commissioner Dr Bernard Yohana Kibesse, Somalia Ambassador Janel Ibrahim, Africa Policy Institute President Prof Peter Kagwanja, United Nations representative Obinna F. Okamgba, and officials from China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
Mr Mainga said Kenya Railways was looking beyond domestic freight by preparing for deeper regional integration as the SGR network advances toward Kisumu and, ultimately, Malaba.
The expanded rail corridor is expected to connect production centres with markets across Kenya, Uganda and the wider East and Central African region, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub while opening new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers and investors.
