The rehabilitation of the 120-kilometre Voi-Taveta metre-gauge railway has reached a major milestone, with Kenya Railways confirming that construction is at 40 per cent.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga on Tuesday, October 13 confirmed that the construction of the Ksh5 billion project was progressing steadily, and was nearly halfway after years of stalling.
According to Mainga, most of the completed milestones along the tract are the advancement of subgrade and cross-drainage structures before the actual construction begins.
"The Voi–Taveta Railway Rehabilitation Project is making significant progress, with overall progress of key project components now standing at 40 per cent, driven largely by the advancement of subgrade and cross drainage structures along the 120-kilometre stretch," Kenya Railways stated.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga inspecting the Voi-Taveta MGR rehabilitation project on October 13, 2026
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Kenya Railways
According to the corporation, the ongoing works continue to generate employment opportunities for local communities while supporting businesses involved in construction activities and related services.
The revived railway line is expected to play a major 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.
The MGR line has been non-operational for over 20 years, but was revived by President William Ruto in April 2026, with its revival expected to unlock opportunities for locals, especially in trade with Tanzania and the wider East African region.
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 update comes days after President William Ruto announced that the government will construct a separate Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line along the route, with stations at Mwatate, Bura, Mwakitau, and Taveta towns, as part of a proposed SGR extension from Voi to Tanzania.
Meanwhile, works on the Naivasha-Kisumu Malaba SGR extension are progressing steadily, with Kenya Railways stating that parts of the railway line will be completed by June 2027.
A worker at the Voi-Taveta Railway project on October 13, 2026
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Kenya Railways