Kenyan President William Ruto aims to revive the dilapidated Voi-Taveta railway line, a project that necessitates a careful examination of its historical context.

• The railway was originally built for military purposes during World War I, not for commercial trade.
• Its revival faces challenges related to original engineering weaknesses, inter-territorial political rivalries, and significant costs.
• A successful revival requires a clear, evidence-based business plan addressing cargo, markets, operational costs, and cross-border coordination with Tanzania, rather than relying on nostalgia or rhetoric.