Kenya Railways begins construction of Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension in Narok

An excavator begins earthworks during the official commencement of construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension project in Narok County / X

Construction of the long-awaited Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension has officially begun.

The construction now paves the way for a major expansion of Kenya's rail network and strengthens transport links between the Port of Mombasa and the Uganda border.

The project was officially launched on March 19, 2026, during a groundbreaking ceremony at Narok Teachers Training College Grounds in Narok County, presided over by President William Ruto alongside senior government officials, Kenya Railways management and representatives of the contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

The commencement of construction works on Wednesday was witnessed by Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga; Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia; Narok County Secretary Mayan Tuya; National Government officials; the National Land Commission; the project contractor; local leaders; and community stakeholders.

The new railway will extend the SGR from Naivasha through Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu before terminating at Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border, forming a key section of the Northern Corridor transport network.

Speaking during the launch in March, President Ruto said the railway will transform regional trade and reinforce Kenya's position as East Africa's logistics hub.

"This railway will enhance trade with East African countries and strengthen Kenya's position as the region's logistics hub."

According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the project will be implemented in two phases.

Phase 2B will cover about 264 kilometres from Naivasha to Kisumu, including an 8.9-kilometre branch line to Kisumu Port, while Phase 2C will extend the railway from Kisumu to Malaba, linking Kenya's railway network with Uganda and supporting future regional integration.

Kenya Railways said the railway is expected to shift more cargo from roads to rail, cutting transport costs, easing congestion along the Northern Corridor and enhancing the competitiveness of the Port of Mombasa.

The State corporation added that the project is also expected to spur industrial growth, tourism and investment in counties along the railway corridor.

Before construction commenced, Kenya Railways and the National Land Commission held public engagement forums with Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to explain land acquisition procedures, compensation processes and the legal framework governing the project.

The consultations were aimed at promoting transparency and preparing affected communities for implementation.

The government has described the SGR extension as a strategic investment that will deepen economic integration within the East African Community by facilitating faster movement of goods between Kenya, Uganda and other neighbouring countries.

Uganda is also pursuing plans to extend its Standard Gauge Railway from Malaba to Kampala, making the Kenyan section a critical regional transport link.

Kenya Railways said preparations for the project included site inspections, public consultations and final planning activities ahead of full-scale construction.

The corporation also expects the project to create employment opportunities during construction while delivering long-term economic benefits through improved logistics, regional connectivity and more efficient freight transport.