Nairobi, March 21, 2026 (AFP) - Kenya, Uganda open rail extension burdened by Chinese debt

NAMPA / AFP
2026-03-21
The presidents of Kenya and Uganda met near their shared border Saturday to mark the multi-billion-dollar, long-delayed extension of a Chinese-built railway that has left Kenya heavily in debt. The Standard Gauge Railway, built from 2013 to 2019, connects the Kenyan port of Mombasa to its capital Nairobi, and on to the lake town of Naivasha, but China refused further lending before it could be extended to Uganda as planned. Kenya now spends rough......
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KARASBURG, 21 March 2026 - Speaking during independence celebrations on Saturday, //Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze stated that the large turnout, particularly of the youth, is a testament to the region's commitment to the ideas of nationhood. 

(Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

KARASBURG, 21 March 2026 - Speaking during independence celebrations on Saturday, //Kharas Governor Dawid Gertze stated that the large turnout, particularly of the youth, is a testament to the region's commitment to the ideas of nationhood. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

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KARIBIB, 21 March 2026 - School learners in their traditional attire at the Erongo Region’s 36th Independence Day commemorations at Karibib. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

KARIBIB, 21 March 2026 - School learners in their traditional attire at the Erongo Region’s 36th Independence Day commemorations at Karibib. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

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KARIBIB, 21 March 2026 - Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses addressing residents of the region who attended the region’s Independence Day celebrations at Karibib. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

KARIBIB, 21 March 2026 - Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses addressing residents of the region who attended the region’s Independence Day celebrations at Karibib. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

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KARIBIB, 21 March 2026 - Karibib residents dressed in the Damara traditional attire at the Erongo Region’s 36th Independence Day commemorations at the town. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

KARIBIB, 21 March 2026 - Karibib residents dressed in the Damara traditional attire at the Erongo Region’s 36th Independence Day commemorations at the town. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

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KARASBURG, 21 March 2026 - Vice President (VP) Lucia Witbooi pictured during her keynote address at the commemoration of Namibia's 36th Independence Day in Karasburg on Saturday. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

KARASBURG, 21 March 2026 - Vice President (VP) Lucia Witbooi pictured during her keynote address at the commemoration of Namibia's 36th Independence Day in Karasburg on Saturday. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

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KARASBURG, 21 March 2026 - The Presidency on Saturday issued a formal message to mark the 64th birthday of Vice President Lucia Witbooi (middle) describing her as one of Namibia’s “distinguished daughters”. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

KARASBURG, 21 March 2026 - The Presidency on Saturday issued a formal message to mark the 64th birthday of Vice President Lucia Witbooi (middle) describing her as one of Namibia’s “distinguished daughters”. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

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OSHAKATI, 21 March 2026- Members of the public in the Oshana region gathered at the Oshakati Independence Stadium for the commemoration of Namibia's 36th Independence Day. (Photo: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

OSHAKATI, 21 March 2026- Members of the public in the Oshana region gathered at the Oshakati Independence Stadium for the commemoration of Namibia's 36th Independence Day. (Photo: Andreas Thomas) NAMPA

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WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Members of the public in the Khomas Region making their way into the Sam Nujoma Stadium for Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations. (Photo by: Mathilde Kudumo) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 21 March 2026 - Members of the public in the Khomas Region making their way into the Sam Nujoma Stadium for Namibia's 36th Independence Day celebrations. (Photo by: Mathilde Kudumo) NAMPA

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