- The SGR Cluster is one of the 14 Clusters under the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs).
- The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment expediting the completion of construction of the remaining SGR sections from Naivasha.
Image: HANDOUT
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has praised the dedication of the East African Community partner states to advancing the construction of a cross-border SGR line.
Speaking at the conclusion of the joint ministerial committee meeting, Murkomen emphasized the significance of this commitment in ensuring the timely delivery of the project.
"The devotion being exhibited by our partner states is commendable. This is a great project that will spur the economy of our region as well movement of people," he said.
The meeting dubbed the SGR Cluster was held in Mombasa and witnessed the participation of ministers from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It falls under the umbrella of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs), comprising 14 clusters aimed at fostering regional development.
Uganda chairs the Committee.
A joint communique issued after the summit highlighted the collective resolve of the ministers to kickstart construction on various SGR sections.
This includes Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba, Malaba-Kampala, and Kampala-Bihanga-Kasese-Mpondwe, with extensions leading into the DRC.
Others are Bihanga-Mirama Hills, Mirama Hills to Kigali, Tororo-Gulu-Nimule leading into South Sudan and GuluPakwach-Vurra leading into DRC after securing financing for Malaba-Kampala SGR section.
Additionally, plans were reaffirmed to expedite the completion of existing SGR sections from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and DRC and devise a implementation roadmap.
"Establish a framework that facilitates cross border maintenance of the SGR assets and facilities," it states.
The meeting also provided a platform for the leaders to review the decisions of the Kampala ministerial meeting of May last year on the development of the SGR and the directives of the heads of state during the 14th NCIP summit in 2018.
While reflecting on past achievements, the ministers acknowledged the operational status of the Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha SGR section and Uganda's progress in finalizing negotiations with the proposed contractor, Yapi Merkezi, for the Malaba-Kampala section.
The contract, according to the communique is set to be signed this month.
Uganda, it stated, has already completed the harmonisation of the technical specifications and standards for the SGR.
Looking ahead, they underscored the importance of joint resource mobilization for upcoming projects, aiming to commence construction on the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba and Malaba-Kampala sections by the end of 2024.
Additionally, efforts to harmonize planning and development of inland water transport infrastructure were endorsed, aiming to facilitate seamless multimodal transport services across the region.
This includes speeding up the review of the Tripartite Agreement on water transport on Lake Victoria.
Kenya's strategy also involves leveraging private sector partnerships for SGR extension projects, alongside the establishment of special economic zones along the corridor.
CS Murkomen also emphasized that these initiatives aim to transform areas with stop stations into vibrant economic hubs, fostering cross-border trade and connectivity within the East African region.
Rwanda is set to host the next SGR Cluster meetings.