Kenya has secured KSh780 billion in funding to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, passing through Kisumu. The major infrastructure investment is expected to boost regional trade, enhance connectivity, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a transport hub in East Africa.
The SGR, which currently runs from Mombasa to Naivasha, has been a flagship project aimed at modernizing the country’s transport system and reducing the cost of moving goods. The planned extension to Malaba will not only link Kenya’s western region to the capital but also provide a vital trade corridor to Uganda and other landlocked countries within the East African Community (EAC).
Government officials noted that Kisumu, a key stop along the route, will benefit significantly from the project. The lakeside city is set to become a central logistics hub, enabling easier cargo movement through Lake Victoria to neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The multibillion-shilling deal has been hailed as a game-changer for regional integration, with experts predicting that it will cut transportation costs, reduce road congestion, and spur industrial growth along the railway corridor.
However, concerns have also been raised regarding the cost and sustainability of financing the project. Critics argue that the country must balance infrastructure development with prudent debt management to avoid economic strain in the long term.
If successfully completed, the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR line will mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s pursuit of modern transport infrastructure and regional connectivity.
