Global Construction Review published on 21 February 2025 an article titled "Kenya to Take Over Mombasa-Nairobi Railway from China by Year-end" by David Rogers.
The Chinese company Africa Star, a subsidiary of China Road and Bridge Corporation, was scheduled to manage Kenya's Chinese-financed and built standard gauge railway from Mombasa to Nairobi for ten years from 2017. Kenya Railways Corporation reached an agreement with Africa Star to take over management by the end of the year.
Public Seminar posted on 18 March 2024 a commentary titled "The New Silk Road: China's Belt and Road Initiative Provokes Divided Narratives in Kenya" by Keren Zhu, The New School.
The Chinese-funded and built standard gauge railway in Kenya has provoked a heated debate between proponents of the project's economic benefits and those concerned with its socio-environmental risks. The author concludes that while the railway was a success for many stakeholders, its long-term effect on Kenya is highly uncertain.
Comment: The article indicates that the railway is an example of China's investment abroad. In fact, it is an example of Kenya's investment in itself because Nairobi must pay the Chinese companies for building the project.
The Diplomat published on 14 February 2024 a report titled "The China-Built Addis-Djibouti Railway Gains Steam" by Istvan Tarrosy and Zoltan Voros, both at University of Pecs.
The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway opened in 2018 and was largely operated by Chinese nationals. It is now operated by the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company. It still employs about 80 Chinese who provide technical assistance. Several trunk lines were not built for lack of funding and the trains run at less than half their planed speed because of unreliable electrical power and several security problems. While freight traffic is growing, it remains far below projected levels.
The Council on Foreign Relations published on 13 October 2021 a paper titled "China's Approach to Development in Africa: A Case Study of Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway" by Oscar Otele, University of Nairobi.
Using a case study of Kenya's standard gauge railway, the paper examines China's impact on procurement, environmental issues, and labor relations.
France 24 posted on 9 April 2021 a story titled "Djibouti-China Marriage 'Slowly Unravelling' as Investment Project Disappoints" by Sebastian Seibt.
Djiboutian concerns about debt to China and the slowness of the Chinese-financed and built Djibouti to Addis Ababa railway to pay its way are causing the Djibouti-China relationship to cool down and open the door for countries like France.
