Kenya Revives Its $10B Mega Rail Project Without China’s Support

Check out African rail projects video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N06QFBm5hns&t=98s Get Our E-Book! We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our first-ever e-book: a curated compilation of 100 Railways Explained scripts, filled with insights, facts, and rail stories from across the globe. If you love our videos, you’ll definitely enjoy reading it. https://payhip.com/b/mTDPX Support Us & Get Exclusive Benefits: Become a member on Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, and more: https://www.patreon.com/railways_explained Join our YouTube membership to support the channel and get special perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGq3OyOoLPYj4Oyk1DWnKxQ/join Donate via PayPal: PayPal.Me/railwaysexplained Check out our official merch and show your love for all things railway: https://railways-explained.creator-spring.com Kenya is reviving one of Africa’s most ambitious railway projects — the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) — but this time, without relying on new Chinese loans. After years of توقف and uncertainty, construction is set to resume on the crucial Naivasha–Kisumu section, marking a major turning point not just for Kenya, but for infrastructure development across East Africa. Originally launched as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the SGR has long been seen as both a transformative megaproject and a cautionary tale about debt sustainability. Now, Kenya is attempting something different — financing the continuation of the railway through innovative domestic mechanisms while still maintaining selective international partnerships. In this video, we explore how the SGR was built, why it stalled, and what this new phase means for regional connectivity. From linking the port of Mombasa with Nairobi and beyond, to future extensions toward Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this railway has the potential to reshape trade, logistics, and economic growth across the region. We also take a closer look at the technical, financial, and geopolitical challenges behind the project — including differences in railway standards, evolving funding strategies, and the broader implications for Africa’s infrastructure independence. This is more than just a railway story. It’s a story about ambition, resilience, and the future of transport in Africa. Subscribe for more in-depth railway stories and analyses from around the world. Big thanks to our Patrons: Walid, Mind K, An Oni Moose, Julian Baumann, Hendrik Hinrichs, Robert P. Walsh, Xosé F. Estrada, Mårten Hammarstrand, Lucas Richter, Korawich Kavee, Alex Zaslavsky, Ben M, Nathan Walls, Bill, Tim McKeoun, August Bigelow, Brendan McKeon, Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann, Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann, Reinforcedconcrete, Alex McDonald, Martin Pelles, Alice Conalbi, Declan Crowley, Martin Hinge, William Rohe Follow us on Social Networks: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RailwaysExplained/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/railways_explained/