Saturday, December 21, 2019

Kenyan Hoteliers Eye Revenue Boost Following Launch of Extended SGR Services
Xinhua
2019/12/19 10:36:36

The first freight train of the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) arrived at the Naivasha Inland Container Depot in Kenya, on Dec. 17, 2019. (Photo: Xinhua)

Kenyan hoteliers based in the northwestern county of Nakuru on Wednesday said they were upbeat following the launch of Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger service on Oct. 16.

James Mwangi, chair of the Naivasha Tourism Association told journalists in Nairobi that the hospitality sector is expected to reap huge benefits during the upcoming December holiday festival season.

"We are hopeful our tourists' arrivals in Naivasha will surpass last years' figures following the launch of the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR," Mwangi said during the launch of the Naivasha Love festival.

The festival will take place from Feb. 14-15, 2020 and is expected to attract over 5,000 participants to witness the rich culture of Naivasha that is an acclaimed resort town.

The Chinese built 120 km SGR from Nairobi to Naivasha, which is an extension of the Mombasa-Nairobi line, commenced passenger services in October this year while the cargo service was launched early this week.

Erick Korir, deputy governor, county of Nakuru said that the extension of the SGR from will be a game-changer for Kenya's hinterland region.

"It is one of the biggest milestones in terms of development as it will make Naivasha become a development hub and terminal center for all containers moving between east and central Africa and the port of Mombasa," Korir said.

He noted that the tourism sector in Nakuru county is expected to receive a major boost as both domestic and foreign tourists will find it convenient to use the SGR passenger service for the estimated one hour ride between Nairobi and the resort city of Naivasha.

Peter Kimani Gitau, chairman of the Naivasha Love festival, said that the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR will have a huge positive impact on the event.

"We expect our visitors to use the SGR passenger service so that they bypass the road network that will struggle to handle the anticipated traffic," Gitau said.

No comments: