Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Infrastructure Davis Chirchir has announced that Kenya is on the path to a major infrastructure milestone as the government inches closer to inaugurating the extension of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway.
Chirchir said the initiative by the State was crafted to bolster regional trade and enhance transport networks across East Africa.
The CS noted that preparations are underway ahead of the planned groundbreaking of the railway project.
He spoke at the Narok SGR terminus where he inspected start of work on the Phase 2 extension from Narok to Malaba, ahead of the expected launch by President William Ruto on 19th, March at Narok Teachers Training College.
Chirchir indicated that Kenya stands on the brink of a historic milestone as it prepares for the groundbreaking of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (369 km), a transformative project that will redefine transport and regional trade.
He explained that the railway extension will play a crucial role in linking Kenya’s transport network with neighbouring countries and strengthening trade routes across the region.
“The Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension will connect Kenya’s rail network to Uganda through Malaba, strengthening the Northern Corridor, a vital gateway for trade across East and Central Africa,” he stated.
Chirchir who was flanked by Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu also said he had visited key sites where early preparations are already ongoing as the government readies for the official launch ceremony expected to be led by President Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“Today, I inspected the ongoing preparation works at Kibos in Kisumu County and Motunyi in Narok County ahead of the launch by Dr Ruto and President Museveni ,” he stated.
The project is expected to significantly improve the movement of goods between Kenya and its neighbours while supporting economic growth in counties along the railway corridor. Leaders believe the railway will also reduce pressure on road transport while lowering the cost of moving goods across the region.
Chirchir emphasized that the project reflects a broader vision by Kenya and Uganda to strengthen cooperation and deepen regional economic integration through shared infrastructure development.
“The project underscores the shared commitment of Kenya and Uganda to deepen regional integration, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and boost economic cooperation for the prosperity of our region,” he pointed out.
The SGR project is seen as a transformative infrastructure development for the country, with the potential to boost trade, enhance connectivity, and create thousands of jobs. Chirchir emphasized that the railway will not only ease transportation but also stimulate economic growth across western Kenya and neighboring countries.
“This project is a game changer for Kenya’s economy,” Chirchir said during the inspection adding: “It will open up markets, reduce transport costs, and provide opportunities for our young people to secure meaningful employment.
The launch, scheduled for Saturday, is expected to draw significant attention, with more than 20,000 people anticipated to attend. Local leaders and residents have expressed optimism that the railway will revitalize Kisumu’s role as a key hub for regional trade and logistics.
Chirchir noted that the government is keen on ensuring the project is completed on the scheduled time frame and meets international standards. He added that the collaboration between Kenya and Uganda underscores the importance of regional integration in infrastructure development.
“The partnership between our two countries is critical,” he said. “By linking Naivasha, Kisumu, and Malaba, we are not only building a railway but also strengthening ties that will benefit generations to come.”
The planned railway section, covering about 369 kilometres, is expected to improve the movement of goods and passengers while reducing the heavy dependence on road transport along the busy Northern Corridor linking Mombasa to neighbouring countries.
Governor Ntutu noted that the project will play a key role in unlocking economic opportunities in Kenya and the larger western Kenya region besides enhancing regional connectivity.
Ntutu highlighted the regional significance of the railway, which is expected to improve connectivity between Kenya and Uganda.
According to the Governor, the extension will transform the regional transport system by providing a modern rail alternative to the thousands of trucks currently transporting cargo from the Port of Mombasa to inland destinations.
“This is a very significant construction which will open up the regional transport corridor that is currently serviced predominantly by trucks,” he said. “It will also provide passenger facilitation and greatly improve the transportation of goods to markets as well as people-to-people movement,” Ntutu said.
The Standard Gauge Railway remains one of Kenya’s flagship infrastructure initiatives aimed at lowering the cost of transport and improving cargo efficiency from the coast to inland markets.
The first phase connects Mombasa to Nairobi, while the second extends from Nairobi to Naivasha.
The proposed extension will push the line further west through Kisumu before reaching Malaba, a key crossing point linking Kenya to Uganda and the wider East African region.
Once completed, the railway is expected to boost economic integration in East Africa by enabling faster, cheaper and more efficient movement of cargo and passengers across borders.
The project is also expected to spur economic growth in western Kenya by improving connectivity, enhancing mobility, and opening up new opportunities for investment and commerce along the railway corridor.
By Emily Kadzo
