NAIROBI, October 2025 — The Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a landmark project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), continues to serve as a pillar of Kenya’s infrastructure and economic development. Its consistent performance is sustained by a dedicated workforce, including Damaris Mutinda, the SGR’s first and only female safety dispatcher, whose precision and commitment help ensure the seamless operation of this vital transport corridor.

At the SGR Dispatch Center, Mutinda plays a pivotal role in overseeing train movements and operational safety. She manages daily scheduling, monitors the centralized traffic control system, and coordinates safety protocols to maintain punctual and secure operations. As of August 16, 2025, the railway achieved a significant milestone of 3,000 consecutive days of safe operation, having transported approximately 15.93 million passengers and 41.96 million tons of cargo since its launch.

The SGR’s sustained success underscores its vital role in boosting regional connectivity, trade efficiency, and economic growth throughout Kenya and the wider East African region. Beyond its logistical impact, the project has also contributed to local job creation and skills development, empowering professionals such as Mutinda to take on leadership roles in railway operations.

Fluent in both English and Chinese, Mutinda bridges communication between Kenyan and Chinese colleagues, symbolizing the collaborative spirit that underpins the project. She regards the SGR as a model for safe and efficient infrastructure, encouraging greater public use and highlighting its contribution to connecting communities across Kenya.

The operational excellence of the Mombasa–Nairobi SGR, supported by skilled personnel and international cooperation, reinforces its standing as a flagship BRI project and a transformative force in Kenya’s modernization and regional integration.

Source: Xinhua