Kisumu, Kenya – March 21, 2026 – President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and President of Kenya, Samuel William Ruto, have today presided over a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and then to Malaba, the border with Uganda.
The event was held at the Kibos site in Kisumu County, marking the official commencement of phase 2B construction, starting from Naivasha to Kisumu, covering approximately 269 kilometres and includes a spin-off to Kisumu port. Phase 2C construction was also inaugurated today, which will see 107 kilometres of Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) constructed connecting Kisumu to Malaba.
The full extension project will cover approximately 370km and is projected to cost around KES 650 billion, which will be funded by both the governments of Uganda and Kenya and partnerships that include China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and other funders.
The president of Uganda, while at the event, described the project as ‘strategic’, saying that it will not only provide traders with affordable and quick means of transport but also reduce pressure on existing road infrastructure.
“Strategic investments like these are essential for lowering the cost of doing business, supporting industrialisation and advancing the economic transformation of our region and Africa.”
“By shifting bulk cargo from roads to rail and pipelines, we reduce transport costs, protect infrastructure and improve efficiency.” President Museveni said.
President Samuel Ruto echoed similar sentiments, further highlighting the role played by the colonial East African railway in the development of the economy of East Africa, envisioning the greater importance the SGR will play in the economic integration of the East African region.
“The planned extension of the SGR from Uganda to DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and beyond will further unlock regional opportunities, stimulating fresh waves of economic activity and deepening integration in our region.”
Uganda is working on the Kampala Malaba SGR line, with land acquisition and compensation reported at 60%. The Kampala Malaba will connect with the Naivasha – Kisumu – Malaba, reducing the costs of transporting goods from Mombasa to Kampala by more than 50%.
The Naivasha – Kisumu – Malaba line revives ambitions for a seamless modern rail network across East Africa, connecting with the existing SGR of Mombasa to Naivasha, which will potentially reduce travel between Nairobi and Kampala from over 12 hours to just 4 hours, boosting trade volumes, jobs and support industries between the two countries.
As construction begins, both presidents urged stakeholders to prioritise timely delivery, quality, and community involvement to ensure the project delivers on its promise of shared prosperity, meeting the projected timelines.
