The second phase of Kenya's new railway line, running from the capital Nairobi to Naivasha town, will be opened today for passenger services only.
Cargo services will have to wait for the construction of a dry port, which could take longer than planned after the local Maasai community moved to court to oppose its construction.
The 120km (74 miles) stretch has been built by the China Communications and Construction Company at a cost of 150 billion Kenyan shillings ($1.4bn; £1.10bn).
Passenger services will only be available in four of the 12 stations, The Business Daily newspaper quotes Kenya Railways head Philip Mainga as saying.
Its launch lacks the fanfare witnessed at the opening of the first phase - which cost $3bn to build - running from the coastal city of Mombasa to Nairobi in May 2017.
The Standard Gauge Railway line project has cost close to three times the international standard and four times the original estimate.
The government explained the reasons for the high cost include the terrain that required many bridges, tunnels and land compensation.
About 80% of the money for the railway came through loans from China.
The initial plan was for the railway to run from the coastal town of Mombasa to the lakeside town of Kisumu, and a possible extension to Uganda.
The country will now need to borrow an additional $3.3bn to complete the project.
Latest Stories
-
‘That was a lie!’ – Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial
7 mins -
Ghana has been robbed of what I could have done – Kofi Amoabeng
45 mins -
At least 56 people dead in Sudan’s North Darfur state, Doctors Without Borders says
52 mins -
Sony Music slams tech giants for unauthorised use of stars’ songs
2 hours -
Check out the nominees list for the 2024 BET Awards
2 hours -
TVET sector stresses need for industry collaboration for skills development
3 hours -
Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years
3 hours -
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Gaza offensive
3 hours -
DJ Azonto seeks $10m from Bawumia for unauthorised use of his song
3 hours -
Cement price increment worst I have seen in recent times – Executive Secretary, GREDA
4 hours -
Family in shock as missing 12-year-old found dead in Korle Lagoon after Monday’s downpour
5 hours -
Samira Bawumia highlights Ghana’s strides in clean cooking solutions at UNESCO summit in France
5 hours -
US-funded Power Africa Program expands access to clean and affordable energy for Ghanaians
5 hours -
Asantehene’s daughter talks marriage, royal dynamics and cultural understanding
5 hours -
Encroachers on Ghana-Burkina Faso boundary line defy May 5 deadline to relocate
6 hours