Governor Nyong’o hails President Ruto’s China deal on SGR expansion

"Once completed, the new SGR line will significantly improve the economy of Western Kenya."

by JAMES MBAKA

News26 April 2025 - 14:13

In Summary

The SGR extension is part of Kenya's broader strategy to enhance transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity.
The Naivasha-Kisumu section, known as Phase 2B of the SGR, will cover 262.3 kilometres and include an 8.9-kilometre branch line leading to the proposed Kisumu Port.

Governor Anyang Nyong’o has welcomed the agreement signed by President William Ruto during his recent state visit to China, which will see the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extended from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba.

In a statement issued on April 26, Governor Nyong’o expressed gratitude to President Ruto for successfully negotiating the financing of the SGR extension with the Chinese government.

“On behalf of the people of Kisumu, I sincerely thank His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto for securing the financing of the SGR from Nakuru through Kisumu, connecting Kenya to Uganda via Malaba,” Nyong’o stated.

He noted that the extension plan has been on the drawing board for a long time, and its realisation is a development that the Lake Region should applaud.

“This is welcome news. Kudos, Mr. President,” he added.

The governor emphasised that the completion of the new SGR line will significantly enhance the economy of Western Kenya and bolster the operations of the refurbished Kisumu Port.

“It will improve tourism, passenger transport, trade, and regional integration in East Africa. We thank President Ruto for this important project,” Nyong’o said.

The SGR extension is part of Kenya's broader strategy to enhance transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity.

The Naivasha-Kisumu section, known as Phase 2B of the SGR, will cover 262.3 kilometres and include an 8.9-kilometre branch line leading to the proposed Kisumu Port.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced that the railway will feature 25 stations, with 15 to be opened initially and 10 reserved for future use.

The construction contract for this section was signed in March 2016 between Kenya Railways Corporation and China Communications Construction Company.

The contract encompasses civil works, the provision of 35 locomotives, 724 wagons, and 64 passenger coaches. Additionally, the project includes the construction of the new Kisumu Port, estimated to cost Sh17.8 billion.

The Kisumu-Malaba route, designated as Phase 2c of the SGR, will span 107.27 kilometres. The construction contract for this segment was also signed in March 2016, with a budget of Sh1.5 billion. Completion of this line is expected within 36 to 54 months.