The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has reported an impressive 8 per cent surge in cargo hauled by the standard gauge railway (SGR) freight service during the first nine months of 2023.

The railway connecting Nairobi to the port city of Mombasa, transported 4.91 million metric tons of cargo, marking a notable increase from the 4.55 million metric tons recorded during the same period in 2022.

The report reveals that the bulk of cargo, amounting to 1.73 million metric tons, was transported in the third quarter, followed by 1.60 million metric tons in the second quarter and 1.57 million metric tons in the first quarter.

As Kenya enters the bustling trade season of the final quarter, the usage of the SGR freight service is anticipated to soar, potentially surpassing last year's levels.

In 2022, the SGR train transported a total of 6.09 million metric tons of cargo.

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The consistent monthly ferrying of up to 580,000 metric tons in 2023 suggests that the annual usage is projected to reach at least 6.6 million metric tons, as indicated by the KRC.

Additionally, the SGR commuter service witnessed an uptick in passenger numbers during the same period, reaching 1.95 million passengers compared to 1.74 million in a similar timeframe in 2022.

The KRC's report underscores the pivotal role played by the SGR in facilitating both freight and commuter services, contributing significantly to Kenya's transportation landscape.

The continued growth in cargo haulage and commuter usage reaffirms the SGR's position as a critical component of the country's transport infrastructure.

As the year draws to a close, the SGR's robust performance highlights its importance in meeting the rising demands of Kenya's trade and transportation needs, further solidifying its status as a key player in the nation's economic development.