According to The Kenya Ports Authority managing director, Mr Gichiri Ndua, an overhaul of the Kenya-Uganda railway is vital if East Africa wishes to avoid lagging behind other regions in Africa in economic growth and development.

The Mombasa port needs an efficient railway system to work in conjunction with the port so that goods can be moved across the region more effectively.

Mr Ndua who launched a two-day media workshop In Mombasa organised by KPA and Trademark East Africa made it clear that regional governments need to facilitate the speedy revamping of the current railway system as it is detrimental to businesses across the region.

“The railway system has declined over time yet it is the most economical and reliable way of transporting bulk goods. We need to replace the rail if we are to do business more efficiently,” Mr Ndua said.

He added: “As a region, we shall not be able to compete favourably with the rest of the world unless the railway issue is sorted. A clearly functioning railway is core for effective business transaction.”

By the end of 2011, Mombasa Port handled container traffic worth 756,797 twenty foot units, up from 695,600 the previous year. As this number continues to increase, the need for a reliable railway system becomes more and more important.