HC Deb 10 July 1925 vol 186 cc761-2W
Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are contemplated towards the opening up and development of the interior of East Africa by the construction and institution of railway connections?

Mr. AMERY

The following particulars show the work in progress, at present contemplated, or proposed:

  1. 1. Work now in progress:
    1. (a) Kenya-Uganda. — Extension of Uasin Gishu line through Tororo to Mbultamuti, say 185 miles.
    2. (b) Kenya.—Kitale branch 43 miles; Solai branch 30 miles; Tana River-Nyeri extension 32 miles.
      3. 762
    3. (c) Tanganyika Territory.—Tabora-Shinyanga branch, 120 miles.
  2. 2. Future, work contemplated:
    1. (a) Uganda.—Tororo to Teso district, say 75 miles.
    2. (b) Kenya. — North Kaviromdo branch, say 35 miles.
      • (The above two lines await the completion of 1 (a).)
    3. (c) Tanganyika. — Shinyanga to Mwanza. Probably about 140 miles.
  3. 3. Proposals for additional lines are contained in the East African Commission's report (Cmd. 2387). They include:
    1. (a) Uganda.—Further extension of 2 (a) to the North-West limits of the Protectorate, say 200 miles.
    2. (b) Kenya.—Subject to very careful survey, a branch, Gilgil to Thompson's Falls, say 50 miles, and a branch from Mau summit to Kericho, say 40 miles.
    3. (c) Tanganyika. — Moshi - Arusha, with further extension to Dodoma on the Central Railway, 280 miles, Ngerengere on the Central Railway, to Manda on Lake Nyasa, about 400 miles.
    4. (d)Nyasaland.—Extension to connect the existing railway system with Lake Nyasa.

The Commission's proposals are, however, dependent on financial provision, for which they suggest a loan guaranteed by Act of Parliament.