Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Narok to Kisumu has officially commenced, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s transport infrastructure development and positioning Kisumu for transformation into a regional railway and logistics hub.
The works form part of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR project launched by Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni in March this year. The railway extension is expected to connect Naivasha to the Kenya-Uganda border, enhancing regional trade, reducing transport costs and strengthening East African integration.
Speaking during the commencement of construction works in Kisumu on Thursday, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said the contractor had already mobilised personnel and the necessary equipment and had begun work in Narok before moving to Kisumu.
“Today we have not come to launch. The President launched this project on March 21. What we have come to do today is commence work,” said Mainga.
He expressed confidence that the contractor had the technical and financial capacity to complete the project within two years, provided all stakeholders support its implementation, particularly in matters relating to land acquisition and compensation.
Mainga said the project would create significant employment opportunities for residents living along the railway corridor, noting that local communities would be given priority during recruitment.
“We are not going to have external people coming from anywhere else. Wherever we pass, we will recruit the local people,” he said.
He added that county government teams would work closely with the contractor to ensure transparent recruitment and maximise employment opportunities for local residents.
Beyond direct jobs, Mainga said the project would stimulate economic activity by creating business opportunities for suppliers of ballast, sand, aggregates and other construction materials, as well as service providers offering accommodation, transport and food services to construction workers.
“It is a transformation project that will create more employment opportunities for locals, including service providers who will be serving food to staff during construction,” he said.
The Kenya Railways Managing Director revealed that Kisumu will host one of the largest stations on the SGR network as part of a modern railway city planned at the Car Wash area extending to the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.
The railway city, covering more than 100 acres, is expected to become the central rail terminal serving Western Kenya while attracting investment in commercial, industrial and residential developments.
“This is more than a city. It is not just a city. The dynamics in this country will change. From today, you will begin to see a lot of things happening here,” he said.
Mainga appealed to residents and the county government to cooperate during land acquisition to ensure timely implementation of the project.
He said the National Land Commission (NLC) had already identified and gazetted affected landowners and was processing compensation claims.
“We are ready to compensate them. We appeal to landowners to allow the National Land Commission to complete its work so that construction is not delayed,” he said.
He also warned members of the public against fraudsters posing as government officials in an attempt to obtain title deeds and personal documents from landowners.
“We do not want people handing over their title deeds or documents to the wrong individuals. The public should remain vigilant against people impersonating government officials,” he cautioned.
Mainga further called on individuals who have encroached on Kenya Railways land reserves to vacate voluntarily to pave the way for construction, urging local administrators to support enforcement efforts.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o described the commencement of construction as a historic milestone that would restore Kisumu’s traditional role as a transport, trade and logistics gateway for East Africa.
He said improved rail connectivity with Uganda and other neighbouring countries would stimulate commerce, attract new investments and generate employment opportunities for local residents.
“I do hope that within a year we shall see the reality here. Many people will be employed. It will create a market for numerous services, not only food but many other businesses within the city,” said Nyong’o.
He added that the railway city would accelerate urban development while strengthening Kisumu’s position as a centre for regional commerce and industrial growth.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo said the commencement of construction demonstrated the government’s commitment to implementing key development projects.
“I want to categorically say that the broad-based government is not a government of rhetoric, rumours and hearsay. It is a government in action,” said Mwabudzo.
He assured residents that his office would provide the necessary support to ensure smooth implementation of the project without unnecessary delays.
“The SGR project is real, and you can see it for yourselves,” he added.
Once completed, the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR is expected to significantly lower freight transport costs, improve cargo movement to and from the Port of Mombasa, boost regional trade, strengthen cross-border connectivity and firmly establish Kisumu as a major logistics, investment and commercial hub serving Western Kenya and the wider East African region.
By Dorothy Pamella
