Kenya Railways has taken a major step toward restoring a historic transport link after reviving the century-old metre gauge railway line connecting Voi to Tanzania, signaling a renewed push for regional trade and economic integration.
The 130-kilometre Voi–Taveta railway line, which had remained dormant since the mid-2000s, is now being rehabilitated as part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s ageing metre gauge railway network.
Once complete, the line is expected to reconnect Kenya’s rail system directly to northern Tanzania through the Taveta–Holili border, extending connectivity toward Moshi and beyond.
The revival is part of Kenya Railways' broader strategy to modernize rail infrastructure and enhance cross-border logistics. The project is also aligned with plans to link the old metre-gauge railway (MGR) to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) via a transshipment hub at Voi, enabling seamless movement of goods between the two systems.
Officials say the restored line will play a key role in boosting trade between Kenya and Tanzania, particularly for cargo such as agricultural produce, fuel, and manufactured goods. It is also expected to stimulate economic activity in Taita Taveta County by improving transport efficiency and opening up the region to tourism and investment opportunities.
The project comes as part of ongoing government efforts to revitalize the metre gauge railway network, which has faced years of neglect but remains a critical component of Kenya’s transport system.
Historically, Kenya and Tanzania were connected through a shared railway network during the East African Community era, but many of these links collapsed over time due to poor maintenance and infrastructure decay.
The revival of the Voi–Taveta line is therefore seen as a strategic move to restore regional connectivity, reduce transport costs, and strengthen East Africa’s trade corridors.
As rehabilitation progresses, the project is expected to mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to reposition rail transport as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.
The 130-kilometre Voi–Taveta railway line, which had remained dormant since the mid-2000s, is now being rehabilitated as part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s ageing metre gauge railway network.
Once complete, the line is expected to reconnect Kenya’s rail system directly to northern Tanzania through the Taveta–Holili border, extending connectivity toward Moshi and beyond.
The revival is part of Kenya Railways' broader strategy to modernize rail infrastructure and enhance cross-border logistics. The project is also aligned with plans to link the old metre-gauge railway (MGR) to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) via a transshipment hub at Voi, enabling seamless movement of goods between the two systems.
Officials say the restored line will play a key role in boosting trade between Kenya and Tanzania, particularly for cargo such as agricultural produce, fuel, and manufactured goods. It is also expected to stimulate economic activity in Taita Taveta County by improving transport efficiency and opening up the region to tourism and investment opportunities.
The project comes as part of ongoing government efforts to revitalize the metre gauge railway network, which has faced years of neglect but remains a critical component of Kenya’s transport system.
Historically, Kenya and Tanzania were connected through a shared railway network during the East African Community era, but many of these links collapsed over time due to poor maintenance and infrastructure decay.
The revival of the Voi–Taveta line is therefore seen as a strategic move to restore regional connectivity, reduce transport costs, and strengthen East Africa’s trade corridors.
As rehabilitation progresses, the project is expected to mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to reposition rail transport as a key driver of economic growth and regional integration.
