The rehabilitation will restore a railway corridor that has been out of service for nearly 20 years, creating a renewed passenger and freight connection between Kenya and northern Tanzania. The line could strengthen regional trade by linking the Port of Mombasa with the Taveta–Holili border crossing and onward markets in Moshi and Arusha.
The planned dry port at Voi and the connection with Kenya’s standard-gauge railway could position the town as an inland logistics hub. The project also has the potential to reduce transport distances and costs while supporting tourism, employment and commercial development across Taita-Taveta County.
- Route length: 130 kilometres
- Construction milestone: 70% of earthworks completed by 19 July 2026
- Estimated project cost: KSh5.5 billion
- FY2026/27 allocation: KSh1.4 billion
- Construction launch: 10 April 2026
- Planned stations: Voi, Mwatate, Bura, Maktau and Taveta
- Associated infrastructure: Dry port development at Voi
- Regional connection: Taveta–Holili border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania
- Estimated distance reduction: Approximately 358 kilometres between Mombasa and Bujumbura
Rehabilitation of Kenya’s 130-kilometre Voi–Taveta metre-gauge railway has reached a significant construction milestone, with 70% of the earthworks completed as of 19 July 2026, according to Kenya Railways.
The Government of Kenya is implementing the project through Kenya Railways as part of a broader programme to restore the cross-border railway corridor linking the Port of Mombasa with northern Tanzania. Construction was formally launched by President William Ruto on 10 April 2026, nearly 20 years after railway services on the route ceased.
The government has estimated the overall cost of revitalising and renovating the line at KSh5.5 billion, with KSh1.4 billion allocated during the 2026/27 financial year.
Once completed, the rehabilitated railway is expected to provide a more efficient and cost-effective transport route for passengers and freight, support cross-border trade with Tanzania and reduce transport costs for businesses operating along the corridor.
Its restoration is expected to reduce the distance between Mombasa and Bujumbura by approximately 358 kilometres, strengthening its potential as a regional freight and logistics corridor.
Voi Dry Port and New Stations
The project includes the development of a dry port at Voi, intended to position the town as a strategic logistics hub connecting the Port of Mombasa with the Taveta–Holili One-Stop Border Post on the Kenya–Tanzania boundary.
New or redeveloped railway stations are planned at Voi, Mwatate, Bura, Maktau and Taveta. The Taveta station will provide the connection between Kenya’s railway network and Tanzania, supporting the movement of passengers and cargo across the border.
The corridor is also expected to improve access to the wider Taita-Taveta and Tsavo tourism areas, while opening new commercial opportunities for communities situated along the route.
Bilateral Railway Commitment
The rehabilitation programme is supported by a renewed bilateral commitment between Kenya and Tanzania to strengthen transport connectivity and regional economic integration.
In May 2026, the two countries signed eight agreements covering railway development, trade, energy and other areas of bilateral cooperation. The railway memorandum of understanding commits both governments to reviving the Voi–Mwatate–Taveta line and connecting the corridor with Kenya’s standard-gauge railway network.
The agreement is also intended to improve freight movements towards Moshi and Arusha, creating a more integrated connection between Kenya’s ports and Tanzania’s northern economic centres.
With earthworks now substantially advanced, the Voi–Taveta project is moving from a long-standing regional transport proposal into active implementation. Its completion would restore a dormant international railway connection while establishing Voi as an inland logistics centre serving trade between Kenya, Tanzania and the wider East African region.
