NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya Railways, in collaboration with the World Bank, is poised to revolutionize commuter rail transport in Africa by adopting electric battery technology.
The initiative, announced by Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga, aims to replace diesel-powered engines with Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMU) across the Nairobi and Thika rail networks, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s transport sector.
Electrifying the Future: The Big Meeting
On April 3, a pivotal meeting was held at the Kenya Railways headquarters.
Mainga convened with the World Bank project implementation team, World Bank officials, and members of the Systèmes de Transports (SYSTRA) Group to explore the potential of electric battery technology for commuter trains.
SYSTRA presented a comprehensive viability assessment, covering everything from battery charging requirements to the theoretical capacity of existing lines and replacing diesel gensets with rechargeable batteries.
They highlighted ongoing projects and underscored the necessity of timely implementation.
Mainga urged the World Bank to expedite the program and extend support to achieve electric mobility, particularly focusing on the Thika–Nanyuki line, the longest commuter route.
The World Bank representatives committed to supporting Kenya Railways, aiming to improve the scalability and bankability of electric mobility solutions to meet growing passenger transport needs while reducing emissions.
The First Phase: Thika-Nanyuki Electrification
The initial phase of the electrification project will focus on the Thika-Nanyuki railway.
Set for completion by August 2024, this phase will make Kenya the first African country to adopt electric battery technology for its commuter trains.
This ambitious project, backed by the World Bank, not only promises a greener future but also positions Kenya as a leader in innovative transport solutions on the continent.
Kenya Railways, with the World Bank’s collaboration, plans to extend the electric battery technology to other commuter railways within Nairobi after successfully implementing the Thika-Nanyuki phase.
This effort aligns with Kenya Railways’ 2023-2027 strategic plan, which includes procuring additional coaches and introducing premium services for high-end clients on the SGR routes.
Looking Ahead: A Green Milestone for Kenya
During a follow-up meeting on May 27, 2024, in Nairobi, SYSTRA Group reaffirmed the feasibility of the electric battery option, discussing battery charging requirements and the capacity of the existing lines between Nairobi and Thika.
Mainga emphasized the importance of timely project completion, while the World Bank representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting Kenya Railways.
This groundbreaking project, once completed, will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also set a precedent for other African nations.
