Construction of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has finally kicked off.
The much-awaited project is expected to pave the way for a main extension of Kenya’s rail network and enhancing transport links between the Port of Mombasa and the Uganda border.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia, Narok County Secretary Mayian Tuya, National Government officials, the National Land Commission (NLC), the project contractor, local leaders and community stakeholders witnessed commencement of the works.
Mainga indicated that preparations for the project included site inspections, public consultations and final planning activities ahead of full-scale construction.
He pointed out that the project will create employment opportunities during construction while delivering long-term economic benefits through improved logistics, regional connectivity and more efficient freight transport.
According to the Managing Director the county’s residents have expressed strong support for the initiative, which is expected to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities.
“Narok County, which covers approximately 100 kilometres of the SGR corridor, plays a critical role in this transformative infrastructure project. The people of Narok have shown great enthusiasm and optimism for this project, reflecting the immense opportunities it is expected to unlock for the region,” he stated.
Mainga also urged landowners and other affected individuals to work closely with the relevant government agencies during the land acquisition process to ensure concerns are addressed through the established legal framework.
He encouraged landowners and affected persons to engage directly with the National Land Commission to address any concerns regarding land acquisition and compensation.
This comes a day after Kenya Railways announced that the land acquisition process for the proposed Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus is progressing steadily through a joint exercise with NLC.
The Managing Director said the ongoing exercise is aimed at ensuring all affected land parcels and properties are accurately identified before the project advances.
“A multisectoral team is currently undertaking ground verification as part of the land acquisition process. Our joint field team is carrying out comprehensive ground verification to ensure every affected land parcel and property is accurately identified and documented,” he observed.
Mainga explained that engaging directly with affected landowners and validating information on-site is an important step in guaranteeing that the exercise is conducted accurately.
“By engaging directly with affected persons and validating information on-site, the team is ensuring that no critical detail is overlooked, fostering a process that is transparent, efficient, and fair to all stakeholders,” he added.
He affirmed that the careful verification process demonstrates Kenya Railway’s commitment to implementing the Kisumu SGR Terminus project responsibly.
“This meticulous approach reflects our commitment to delivering the project responsibly – balancing the need for timely infrastructure development with the protection of the rights and interests of every affected person,” he elaborated.
The new railway will extend the SGR from Naivasha through Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu before terminating at Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border, forming a key section of the Northern Corridor transport network.
The railway is expected to enhance trade with East African countries and strengthen Kenya’s position as the region’s logistics hub
According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the project will be implemented in two phases.
Phase 2B will cover about 264 kilometres from Naivasha to Kisumu, including an 8.9-kilometre branch line to Kisumu Port, while Phase 2C will extend the railway from Kisumu to Malaba, linking Kenya’s railway network with Uganda and supporting future regional integration.
Lotiatia indicated that the project will spur industrial growth, tourism and investment in counties along the railway corridor.
Uganda is also pursuing plans to extend its Standard Gauge Railway from Malaba to Kampala, making the Kenyan section a critical regional transport link.
County Secretary Ole Tuya reiterated that representatives from the National Land Commission (NLC) took residents through the legal procedures governing compulsory land acquisition, valuation and compensation under the Land Act, 2012.
The railway extension forms part of the government’s wider plan to connect Naivasha to Kisumu and onwards to Malaba, enhancing cargo movement, regional trade and transport efficiency along the Northern Corridor while creating thousands of jobs during construction.
The commencement of works comes months after the government awarded the estimated Sh 700 billion contract to Chinese firms China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
By Emily Kadzo and Hillary Shimnagha
