Rwanda denies intention to exit Northern Corridor railway project

Rwandan Government denies any intention to exit a three year old Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda Railway project.

In 2013, the Northern Corridor countries (Rwanda Uganda and Kenya) agreed on linking the block with the the Mombasa port with “Standard Gauge Railway”, a project that is estimated to cost $13 billion.

Tuesday afternoon, quoting Rwandan Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Claver Gatete, different Kenyan newspapers reported that Rwanda is exiting the project, because of the duration of the project and cost of the project, comparing to Dar es Salaam-Isaka-Kigali railway project,

Speaking to Umuseke, Minister Claver Gatete said that the newspapers misquoted him, and interpreted bad his speech.

“I did not say that Government of Rwanda has chosen any route for the railway and I am not sure where they got it.” He said.

“I said we need both Northern Corridor Railway and Central Corridor railway as we need trade through both corridors. This is what I said during WEF and during the PTA meeting when asked the question.” He added

An anonymous source in the Government of Rwanda told Umuseke that Kenyan media should be cautious and responsible on such news because it can even create political disrupt between nations plans.

According to Rwandan Ministry in charge of East African Community affairs, a study showed the Tanzanian option would cost Rwanda between $800 million and $900 million, while the Kenyan destination would cost $1 billion.

Vénuste KAMANZI
UM– USEKE.RW