Kenya and Uganda have launched the $943 million Phase 2C of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR extension project. Kenya’s President Dr. William Ruto and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni presided over the groundbreaking ceremony. The move marks a monumental step toward strengthening regional transport and trade connectivity. President Ruto noted that the railway is a colonial infrastructure traversing Kenya from the Coast to the Western region and into Uganda.

Moreover, he noted that it has profoundly shaped the geography and economic trajectory of the nation. Once complete, Ruto notes that the railway will be fundamental in catalyzing trade and unlocking economic potential.

Both presidents are confident that this modern infrastructure will replicate and surpass that legacy by igniting new growth corridors. Also in attendance to the event was the Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Mr. Davis Chirchir. Uganda is also advancing its own end of the SGR as it inked $800 million financing with Saudi Arabia.

The Scope of Implementation on the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR Extension

The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR extension project is just part of a larger scheme between East and Central African countries. The planned extension of the SGR is expected to cover. The planned extension of the SGR Uganda, DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. These nations aim to have a common transport hub that will facilitate locomotion and ease of access.

Moreover, they expect it to further unlock regional opportunities, stimulating fresh waves of economic activity and deepening integration. “By extending this railway to Kisumu and ultimately to Malaba, we are consolidating Kenya’s role as the logistical backbone of East and Central Africa,” the President said in Narok on Thursday at Emurtoto village, Narok County.

Kenya’s ministry of transport documents indicated that construction of these railway lines was to begin at the start of this year. However, no budgetary allocation has been made for the SGR for the next three financial years.

Project Factsheet

Overview

• Project Type: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension
• Phase: Phase 2C
• Project Value: $943 million
• Objective: Enhance regional transport and trade connectivity

Key Stakeholders

• Government: Kenya
• Government: Uganda
• Leaders Present:
  • William Ruto
  • Yoweri Museveni

Location & Route

• Corridor: Naivasha – Kisumu – Malaba
• Country: Kenya (with regional linkage to Uganda)

Scope

• Extension of SGR line toward western Kenya
• Connection to Malaba border for regional integration
• Part of a broader East and Central Africa rail network

Regional Integration

• Planned Connectivity To:
  • Uganda
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • South Sudan
  • Rwanda
  • Tanzania
  • Burundi

Status

• Stage: Officially launched / groundbreaking completed
• Construction Timeline: Expected to commence (no confirmed budget allocation for next 3 years)

Strategic Significance

• Positions Kenya as a regional logistics hub
• Facilitates cross-border trade and cargo movement
• Enhances economic integration across East and Central Africa
• Builds on existing SGR network to extend inland connectivity