THE EFFECTS OF THE STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY.

The Standard Gauge Railway,the multi billion project that took a lot of time and money to be put in place. The government of Kenya dedicated their efforts in making sure the project was completed and officially opened. "The modenised metallic snake" as some may call it has brought both positive and negative effects to the Mombasa economy.

Different stations have been set up at different stops along the railway to ensure easy access of the railway by its passengers who may prefer railway transport to road transport. So of these stations have been set up at Emali and Mtito Andei. The has helped to reach out to travellers easily instead of going to Mombasa or Nairobi.

railway station at Emali

Looking at the effects of this railway station. Like it is said not everything is perfect. The Standard Gauge Railway has come with both positive and negative impacts.The Standard Gauge Railway has made traveling easier and has also reduced congestion at bus stations. 

Taking a look at the trade and business sector,the Standard Gauge Railway has created employment opportunities to many people especially around Mombasa County.From the railway supervisors,security personnel, the train attendants and even the cashiers.Jobs have been opened to many to do and earn a living through the railway.

However, the Standard Gauge Railway has greatly affected the Mombasa economy a great deal. According to the coastal people, it has brought with it more negative impacts than positive.

Even though the SGR had created job opportunities to people ,it has also led to loss of jobs especially to the truck drivers who have lost their jobs because their services are now less required. Some of these drivers depend on their driving in order to earn a living. They pay their children's fees and get their basic needs from this job.Recently the Mombasa road transporters protested against monopolization of container transportation by the SGR which rendered them jobless.

The monopolization of the cargo containers by the SGR has adversely affected historical towns like Maungu,voi,Mtito Andei to Mlolongo that were known stop overs for cargo truck drivers from Mombasa to Nairobi. This has affected the trade going around this area because being a stop over there has to be hotels around therefore no drivers stopping by no hotels operation. The trade sector has really been affected the STANDARD GAUGE RAILWAY