The EAC is committed to bridging the gap in railway infrastructure and services to meet future demand, by updating the EAC Railway Master Plan, harmonizing railway laws, standards, and regulations, and actively engaging in continental railway initiatives
Railway transportation in East Africa is an integral component of a multimodal transport system that combines seaports and hinterland rail and road transportation systems, with additional support from inland marine transportation services on major East African lakes such as Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi/Nyasa. Each hinterland transport mode possesses unique characteristics. Seaports, serving as the entry points for most international trade, and maritime shipping services provide the most cost-effective unit charges per ton or ton-kilometre compared to hinterland transportation. Among hinterland transport systems, inland marine services and railway transportation generally have lower unit transport costs than road transportation. However, road transport is typically faster, more flexible, and offers better reliability, predictability, and regional access.

An efficient, competitive transportation service for regional trade requires optimization of the use of various hinterland transport modes based on their respective attributes. Consequently, traffic distribution between road and rail must optimize the total transportation cost of trade. Article 91 of the EAC Treaty on Cooperation in Railways Transport mandates Partner States to adopt common policies for railways and railway transport development, safety regulations, and measures for harmonization and rationalization of railway transport, among other provisions.

The EAC Summit in 2004 directed the creation of an East African Railways Development Strategy or Master Plan, which was completed in January 2009 and adopted by EAC Policy Organs in April 2009.

The Master Plan proposes the revival of the deteriorated trunk network and branch lines, identifying 21 existing and proposed new links. Several links connect economically viable investment entities and isolated natural resources. Additionally, a study concluded in 2016, proposed strategies for regional sector development, including harmonization of technical standards, regional railway safety regulations, and institutional frameworks adhering to international best practices.

Due to more Partner States joining the Community and ongoing rehabilitation and development of the Meter Gauge Railway and Standard Gauge Railway, the EAC master plan requires review and update.

Railway Expert required

The East African Community (EAC) has received a grant from the African Development Bank towards the cost of the EAC Capacity Building and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to eligible payments under the contract to recruit a qualified professional as an individual consultant, for the provision of Technical Assistance to the Directorate of Infrastructure.

The objectives of this consultancy are to assist the EAC Secretariat deliver on its mandate as defined in the Treaty and specifically to:

Update the EAC Railway Master Plan of 2010 and review the railways current capacity and establish the gap between this capacity and the requisite railways infrastructure and services that will be required to meet future demand.
Review and update the recommendations contained in the EAC Railways Sector Enhancement Project and guide on their implementation;
Finalize the harmonization of railway laws, standards and regulations and assist Partner States in domesticating them; and
Ensure that the EAC is fully engaged in continental railway initiatives in particular the African High-Speed Railway project and the development of African Railways Standards.

Courtesy of Railways Africa – See Full Article