The development is seen as an indication of a gradual shift in regional thinking towards a dual-system rail network, where the century-old meter gauge rail (MGR) will continue to play a role alongside standard gauge rail (SGR) developments. . in the region.

Working with British propulsion and power systems company Rolls-Royce and Malaysian engineering services provider SMH Rail, the three KRC locomotives were re-engined with the installation of Rolls-Royce MTU Series 4000 engines and accessories.

The powerful, yet low-emission and fuel-efficient engines are considered essential to sustain operations along KRC’s Naivasha-Kisumu MGR sector well into the future.

According to experts, the refurbishment of old locomotives and other rolling stock, which has been successfully carried out in Tanzania, is a sound strategy that could also provide useful lessons as the region embarks on a new rail-based era. with standard gauge.

“It is the practice around the world and it is the way forward for Africa because the steel structure of the locomotive is between 30 and 40 percent of its price. So the savings from renovation can be significant,” said Engineer Charles Kateeba, former Managing Director of Uganda Railways Corporation. The East African.

He added that operators can go further, as Tanzania Railways has done, and upgrade old locomotives to a diesel-electric standard, where the engine only generates electricity to drive electric motors that provide traction.

According to Kenya Railways, the advanced Rolls-Royce engines will deliver higher horsepower, enabling the locomotives to carry heavier loads over challenging landscapes with improved fuel and oil economy.

“These bespoke upgrades will enhance the overall efficiency of Kenya’s rail transport system, contributing to national economic development by supporting faster and more reliable freight transport across the country,” the corporation said in a statement.

KRC managing director Philip Mainga said there was a strong business case for investment in locomotives and associated MGR.

“With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), we are experiencing an increase in cross-border trade. By relaunching this fleet, we are confident in our ability to meet growing demand efficiently, affordably and sustainably,” said Mainga.

The reconditioned engines come from a stock of retired locomotives over 40 years old that KRC plans to gradually bring back into service.

Commenting on the plans and giving the example of Uganda’s Tororo-Gulu Pakwach line, Kateeba says East Africa has a significant stock of discarded locomotives of various classes that could be cost-effectively overhauled to restore services to along the abandoned MGR lines that can serve the markets. which will not be covered by SGR in the short term.

“If you look at the commercial traffic in Congo and South Sudan that is clogging up our roads, it can all be economically diverted to the rail, with truckers only picking it up from the end points of the rail network in Gulu and Pakwach. This will be cheaper, more efficient and reduce wear and tear on our roads,” he said.

Globally, the carbon-intensive transport sector remains the focus of climate change activists. OEMs have been working to decarbonize by electrifying and producing engines that can run on less polluting biofuels.

The mtu diesel engines that have been installed in KRC locomotives are designed to run 100% on heavy fuel oil and biofuels.

“We are honored to partner with SMH and Kenya Railways on this important, first-of-its-kind project, which has already proven successful. By integrating our advanced mtu Series 4000 engines into these locomotives, we are contributing to a more sustainable and efficient rail transport system in Kenya. This partnership is an excellent example of our commitment to innovation, sustainability and providing solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers,” said Andreas Görtz, President of the Mobile & Sustainable Business Unit of the Rolls-Royce Power Systems division.