9000 Kenyans to be rehoused 

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is involved in preparations for the privatisation of Kenya Railways, formerly part of East African Railways Cooperation, established at the turn of the last century by the British in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Today Kenya Railways is operating at less than full potential, in part because workers are not being paid on time and plant and material is in a state of disrepair. Through the Danish Trust Fund and the IFC, COWI has been appointed as consultant on environmental, working environmental and social conditions in connection with feasibility studies in the lead-up to privatisation under the aegis of the IFC. The assignment is due for completion by the end of 2004.

12,000 jobs shed

"Social problems weigh heavily," explains project manager Jesper Skaarup. "In the last 12 years Kenya Railways has shed 12,000 jobs, but to achieve operational efficiency a further 4,000 jobs need to go. Our task is in part to determine Kenya Railways' obligations in connection with layoffs and resignations and to advise on job retraining programmes."

Tracks double as main street

Another major social problem involves the rehousing of several thousand people who are at present living so close to the railway line as to constitute a traffic and safety hazard. Kibera township, on the outskirts of Nairobi and one of Africa's biggest uncontrolled slums, is home to an estimated 500,000 people. The railway runs through the township and the tracks double as the main street in between trains.

"Those living closest to the tracks will be offered new and better housing elsewhere," says Jesper Skaarup, "but a big problem is how we can prevent the trackside area becoming populated anew. Fencing off the tracks would effectively cut the township in two. And people would still find ways to cross the tracks – then who would be held responsible for any accidents that may occur?"

Posted: 13.07.2004
By: Jette Kingod, jaje@cowi.dk