In an effort to fast-track the transfer of knowledge and technology to Kenyan railway workers, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has launched an intensive 11-week training programme to boost local expertise. The programme, running from mid-March to June 7, 2025, is a collaboration between Africa Star Railway Operation Company Ltd (Afristar) and Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic in China.
The course aims to equip SGR employees with essential skills in railway operations, including managing freight and passenger transport, analyzing transport demand, and understanding the intricate workings of railway infrastructure. Lessons will be delivered in English by leading Chinese experts from Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic, a renowned institution that has trained railway professionals from countries such as Indonesia and Thailand.
This training opportunity is open to SGR workers across all departments, including those from the Railway Training Institute (RTI). Topics will range from railway signal system fundamentals and emergency response procedures at stations to the complex maintenance of railway bridges and advanced freight management systems.
Afristar has ensured the training is comprehensive and hands-on, emphasizing real-world application. Alongside classroom learning, practical training will cover train operation, ticketing systems, mechanical troubleshooting, and rolling stock preparation. This blend of theory and practice aims to foster a well-rounded understanding of railway operations from both managerial and technical perspectives.
Selected employees will also participate in study tours to China, immersing themselves in the latest developments in railway operations, signalling technology, and integrated transport systems. These tours offer exposure to cutting-edge practices within one of the world’s most advanced rail networks.
Afristar has been committed to workforce development for the past seven years. Through this advanced programme, the company seeks to enhance employee skills at all levels, guiding staff from trainees to advanced professionals based on their experience and expertise.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to localize railway operations in Kenya, reducing reliance on foreign expertise and promoting sustainable growth in the sector. Through this collaboration, Afristar and Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic aim to create a future where Kenya’s railway industry is self-sufficient and a regional leader.
As the programme unfolds, it promises to be a key milestone in transforming Kenya’s railway system into an efficient network fully operated by skilled local professionals.
