Regional Ministers Convene in Mombasa to Drive Forward Standard Gauge Railway Project

Regional Ministers of Transport from the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) member states are convening in Mombasa  for a crucial meeting to review the implementation of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) program.

This high-level gathering brings together ministers from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), all of whom are committed to advancing regional transport integration.

Uganda’s State Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, has joined the meeting, accompanied by a delegation comprising Amb. Richard Kabonero, Coordinator of Northern Corridor Integration Projects, Mr. Benon Kajuna, Director of Transport at the Ministry of Works, Amb. Paul Mukumbya, Consul General, Uganda Consulate in Mombasa, Mr. Evans Aryabaha, Charge D’Affaires, Uganda High Commission in Nairobi, and other senior government officials.

The meeting follows a productive session on Thursday involving Permanent Secretaries from the respective countries, who jointly discussed the status of the SGR project and harmonized efforts towards regional transport integration.

The Permanent Secretaries’ meeting was a precursor to today’s Ministerial meeting, setting the stage for a comprehensive review of the SGR program’s progress.

This week-long gathering of NCIPs stakeholders commenced with a meeting of the Joint Technical Committee, which presented updates on the regional SGR project and reviewed the technical report. Their recommendations have laid the groundwork for the Ministerial meeting, where key decisions are expected to be made to drive the project forward.

The SGR program is a flagship project under the NCIPs, aimed at enhancing regional transport integration and promoting economic growth among member states. The Ministers’ meeting today is critical in addressing any challenges and charting a course for the project’s successful implementation.

During the meeting, the Ministers discuss and agree on key aspects of the SGR program, including the harmonization of policies, regulations, and standards across the region. They will also review the project’s progress, including the status of ongoing works, and identify areas requiring urgent attention.

The NCIPs aim to promote regional economic integration and cooperation among member states, and the SGR program is a critical component of this vision. By enhancing transport connectivity and reducing transit times, the SGR is expected to boost trade and economic growth in the region, ultimately improving the lives of citizens in the participating countries.