The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension works from Naivasha to Kisumu will officially kick off next mont. The Naivasha-Kisumu SGR Extension works are expected to be completed by June 2027. This information was revealed by Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga. This SGR project will join other upcoming railway developments in Kenya such as the Nyayo-Talanta Sports City Rail Link in boosting the country’s railway infrastructure.

Mainga revealed this on Tuesday following a consultative meeting with the National Land Commission and Kisumu County leaders. The meeting focused on land acquisition and compensation. Also, it focused on project readiness ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony is expected to be held between March 18 and 20.

Timeline

The project will be executed within 12 months and will be fully funded by the government. Additionally, it will connect Kisumu to the existing SGR line at Naivasha. Currently, preparatory works and surveys have already commenced at the main Kisumu station site in Kibos near the Kenya Pipeline Company depot.

Significance of the Project

The extension will ease cargo movement. Furthermore, it will reduce transport costs. It will also boost trade with neighboring countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Even though the SGR line has been designed for future electrification, Mainga stated that the national power capacity must first undergo an upgrade. Once the upgrade is done, the electric trains will be able to operate.

Kisumu’s Governor Hails the Project as a Dream Come True

Also, Kisumu’s Governor Anyang Nyong’o welcomed the project as a historic milestone. The governor noted that the SGR extension to Kisumu is a fulfilment of the original vision of linking the Kenyan coast to Lake Victoria.

Lastly, the governor assured residents that the county government would collaborate with the National Land Commission and local leaders. They would collaborate to ensure transparency, public participation, and timely compensation during land acquisition.

The consultative meeting stressed on the importance of community engagement and proactive planning to prevent disputes that have recently delayed major infrastructure projects in Kenya.

Naivasha-Kisumu SGR Extension Project Factsheet

Official name: SGR Phase 2B (Naivasha to Kisumu).

Distance: Approximately 264 km

Total estimated cost: Roughly KSh 380 billion (for Phase 2B alone), though the combined extension to Malaba (Phases 2B & 2C) is estimated at $5 billion.

Key counties traversed: Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira, and Kisumu.

Target completion: June 2027.

Groundbreaking: Scheduled for March 18–20, 2026, with ceremonies planned in Narok and Kisumu

Project Team

Ministry of Roads and Transport: Led by CS Davis Chirchir, responsible for the overall infrastructure policy and funding strategy (RDL and PPP models).

Main Contractor: China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its subsidiary, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

The National Land Commission (NLC): is tasked with acquiring the 264-km corridor and managing the compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Kenya Railways Corporation: will be responsibile for maintenance of the railway line.