Residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties are set to benefit from the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu following the launch of the project by President William Ruto on Thursday.
Speaking during the Alumni’s Day at Sameta High School in Sameta Sub-County, Kisii County, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said the project will benefit the agriculture sector which is the major economic activity in the region, and the passenger traffic which is mainly business-oriented to other regions.
“This mega project will ensure that farmers avoid the long laborious road transport and ensure their produce arrives in the intended destinations in good time,” noted Isaboke.
He called off the President’s critics who were faulting government projects, saying that the SGR will play a crucial role in increasing freight volume and strengthening passenger transportation capacity, thus boosting the economy in the region.
The Naivasha – Kisumu SGR has a passenger terminus and major freight stations in Kisumu and Malaba towns.
It will also have crossing stations in Ikonge center in North Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, Ngorengore, Mulot North, Bomet West, Sotik North, Asawo, Kapsarok, Ahero South and East Kolwa, among others.
The project will also include intermediate passenger stations in Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu and Ahero.
Under the digital superhighway and creative economy pillar of the government’s agenda, the PS reiterated the government’s commitment to extend the digital cable to over 100,000 kilometers to reach the widest part of the country.
“In addition to that, we are putting up digital hubs in constituencies across the 47 counties to bridge the digital divide and ensure that technology is accessible for all, especially those in the rural areas,” said Isaboke.
He pointed out that the installation of 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in public institutions like universities, stages and markets across the country was also on course.
On the on-going rains pounding various parts of the country, the PS urged residents to stay alert and avoid disasters that could cost their lives including flash floods, mudslides and crossing floodwaters.
This comes even as the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning on heavy rains expected across the country this weekend, beginning Friday, March 20, to Tuesday, March 24.
By Mercy Osongo and Alfred Misheba
