Kericho Governor Dr Eric Mutai has assured residents that the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) logistics hub in Cheplanget Ward will remain at the designated site at Tiritab Moita, dismissing reports of a possible change of location and saying construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks.
Addressing the area residents at Tiritab Moita centre in Cheplanget Ward, Bureti Sub County yesterday Mutai said the facility, which will occupy 65 acres, will be constructed at the site and the SGR station will not be moved elsewhere.
He emphasized that the SGR Logistics hub is expected to become a major centre for movement of goods and stimulate economic activity in Kericho and the wider region.
The Governor added that in an earlier meeting yesterday in his office with the Managing Director MD of the Kenya Railways Corporation Mr Philip Mainga and his team they agreed that the facility would be officially named Tiritab Moita, replacing the earlier reference to it as the Kericho substation.
“We have agreed today, in my office, that the name is going to be called Tiritab Moita. That means the locals will own this. But this will be the biggest logistics hub that we have in this region,” said Dr Mutai.
Dr. Mutai said the naming of the station was intended to give the local community a sense of ownership while underscoring the importance of the project to the county’s economic development.
He said the SGR line would also pass through Kapsorok in Soin Sub County, where the county government is developing an industrial park, thus creating a link between the railway network, industrial production and markets.
Dr Mutai further announced that another railway station initially marked as Igonge on project maps would be named Ngoina Station, noting that the location falls within Kericho County.
“Earlier on in the map, it was written Igonge. But when you look in the maps, it is located in Kericho. So today, we have agreed that the name will not be Igonge, but it will be Ngoina sub station,” he said.
“Cheplanget Ward, in particular, is known to have been one of the marginalised wards within the larger Kericho County. The choice of this station will not only place Cheplanget in the map of this nation, but it will also open up the economy of this region,” Dr Mutai said.
The assurances come as preparations for the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR extension gather momentum. The railway project is part of the planned western Kenya SGR network, with the Naivasha-Kisumu section expected to traverse Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu before connecting towards Malaba.
The railway is expected to strengthen the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, while supporting industrialisation and trade along the corridor. Kericho County’s development plans identify transport and trade as key contributors to the local economy, while industrial activity is also expanding in parts of the county.
Dr Mutai thanked President William Ruto, the Ministry of Roads and Transport and Kenya Railways management for their commitment to the project, saying the planned logistics hub would have far-reaching benefits for residents and businesses.
He also sought to allay fears among residents over reports that the proposed station could be relocated, saying the government’s plans were firm and the designated site would not be changed.
“I want to commit to the people of Cheplanget and the people of Kericho that nobody will move the station from here. The government plan has been solid. It has been very clear that the hub is going to be here,” he said.
The Governor urged residents to disregard rumours about a possible relocation of the facility, saying the contractor and the area Member of Parliament had assured the leadership that construction works would commence within two weeks.
He called on village administrators, chiefs and other local leaders, led by Bureti Sub County Deputy County Commissioner Sabina Mule, to cooperate with the contractor and provide the necessary support to ensure the project is implemented smoothly.
The development comes at a time when the government is advancing the SGR extension towards western Kenya. The railway is expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and strengthen Kenya’s position as a logistics hub.
With the site and names of the key stations now receiving local confirmation, attention is expected to shift to commencement of construction and ensuring that the promised logistics and industrial facilities are delivered to unlock the economic potential of Kericho and western region.
By Dominic Cheres
