President William Ruto is set to officiate the groundbreaking of the long-anticipated Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba via Kisumu in a landmark infrastructure event scheduled for Saturday.
According to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the ceremony will also be attended by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, underscoring the regional significance of the multi-billion-shilling rail project.
369km Rail Project to Transform Regional Connectivity
The ambitious extension, spanning approximately 369 kilometers, will link Naivasha to Kisumu and ultimately to Malaba at the Kenya-Uganda border.
The project is expected to significantly enhance the region, which is currently dominated by road transport.
Chirchir emphasized that the railway will ease the movement of goods and passengers, reducing overreliance on trucks while improving efficiency in transporting commodities to markets across the region.
He noted that the SGR extension will not only streamline logistics but also strengthen economic ties between Kenya and its East African neighbors by providing a modern, reliable transport alternative.
Chirchir revealed that preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony are in advanced stages, with the government expecting to host over 20,000 attendees.
“We are not taking anything to chance. This is a significant day for the country and the region,” Chirchir said, adding that all logistical and security arrangements are being finalized to ensure a successful launch.
The Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension marks a critical step in Kenya’s long-term infrastructure strategy aimed at positioning the country as a regional logistics hub.
Once completed, the railway is expected to complement existing transport networks, reduce the cost of doing business, and accelerate economic growth across East Africa.
About the Author
