New Standard Gauge Railway Vandalized ahead of Historic Launch by President Uhuru

A section of the newly built Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) was on Friday night vandalized by unknown people, just days before its historic launch by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Pictures seen by the media parts of the side bars destroyed at Mariakani area along the route Nairobi-Mombasa route.

Kenya Railways Managing Director Atanas Maina, who confirmed the incident, said that investigations were underway to determine the cause of the damage, which is believed to be politically instigated.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to launch the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway on May 31 in a ceremony that will also be attended by senior officials from the Chinese Government.

Inspector General Joseph Boinnet warned against vandalism of the new railway adding that destruction will amount to economic sabotage.

He said that police have launched investigations in to the incident, saying that tough action will be taken against anyone found culpable.

The new rail infrastructure, which is one of the main achievements of the Jubilee administration, is expected to cut transport cost and travel time from Mombasa to Nairobi by half.

President Kenyatta will lead Kenyans in taking the maiden ride aboard the high-speed train on May 31, and will take stops at various terminals along the line.

The 472 Km SGR line is arguably the largest single infrastructure project since independence, which cost Kenya Sh327 Billion, co-financed through commercial and semi-concessional loans from China and the Government of Kenya.