When Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the first standard-gauge railway cargo train at Port Reitz in Mombasa on May 30, it was a proud moment for the entire nation.

Fireworks flecked the historic event as hundreds of Kenyans, officials and Chinese dignitaries cheered.

The president said the project - undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corp - is a key milestone in the country's efforts to industrialize.

"The railway will serve many generations to come long after we are gone. The foundation that we have laid will open a chapter of industrialization as we move to develop special economic zones along the railway line," he said.

The SGR cargo train launch marks a new era in which cargo will be moved twice as fast and at lower cost. The new train will see transit periods shortened to eight hours compared with the 24 hours taken by truck. The train will move at a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour.

"The investments we are making can only increase the level of business for Mombasa Port and increase the number of people who will be employed in this port. That's why all Kenyans should join us in celebrating this development," he said.

Uhuru thanked the Chinese government through CRBC for delivering a quality railway line to the Kenyan government and for the growing relationship between the two countries. He also thanked the Export-Import Bank of China for financing the project.

The president's sentiments were echoed by James Macharia, Cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Transport, who called the project the biggest not only in Kenya but the entire East African region.

"Every Kenyan should be proud of the completion of such a huge transformational project within two and half years," he said.

Liu Xianfa, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said the SGR has enhanced China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"The SGR project has not only contributed to economic growth but has also seen Chinese companies go global," he said, adding that he was confident the project will boost Kenya's economic and social development.

Liu Liange, the Export-Import Bank of China's president, said the SGRwas the start of an Eastern Africa railway backbone network and also an important sign that the Belt and Road Initiative has reached out to the African continent.

"In the near future, the railway will play a bigger role in further connecting the transportation networks of the region," he said.

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