Anniversary of Kenya's China-built railway

NAIROBI - Kenya on Thursday marked the first anniversary since the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway passenger train service amid smooth operations that have endeared it to regular travelers, entrepreneurs and tourists.

Senior Kenyan officials, Chinese diplomats and executives from the contractor China Communications Construction Company, graced the occasion to mark one year since the opening of the modern commuter train service dubbed the "Madaraka Express".

According to James Macharia, Kenya's cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure, the SGR train has in the past year revolutionized movement of people, goods and services in the country.