Former Kenya Airways CEO heads Rift Valley Railways

Retiring Kenya Airways CEO Titus Naikuni has been appointed chairman of Rift Valley Railways’ board of directors with effect from November.
Naikuni will head a board that has been reconstituted following recent shareholder restructuring at the company that holds a concession to operate freight transportation services on the Kenya-Uganda railway.
Naikuni brings extensive operational, business leadership and policy formulation experience to the rail operator, which has been consolidating volume and efficiency gains on the back of substantial capital investments, including new contracts for steel, fuel and bulk grain transportation.
Ahmed Heikal, chairman of Qalaa Holdings, major shareholder of the railway company, said: “His insights and transport sector experience will be invaluable in helping RVR realize the potential of the ambitious investment and growth program on which it has embarked.”
RVR is at the midpoint of a $287 million capital investment and turnaround program that began in January 2012 to revitalize the railway, which had been ailing over the years of neglect and underinvestment.
In the 26 months since the start of the renewal program, the company has invested $ 126 million in modern rail operating technology, rebuilding infrastructure, expanding haulage capacity and developing modern rail operating skills in the 2,400 strong work force.
RVR has completed the rehabilitation of the most damaged sections of the railway track between Mombasa and Nairobi and rehabilitated and reopened the 500 km railway from Tororo to Gulu in northern Uganda after a 20-year hiatus. Installation of satellite tracking and GPS-based technology on all trains helped cut cargo transit times between Mombasa and Nairobi by six hours.
Naikuni said: “RVR’s recent achievements, including the full funding of its investment and growth plan, mean it is now uniquely positioned to become a high performing railway network that can spur trade and economic growth in the region.”