Thousands of residents in Kisumu and neighbouring counties are expected to benefit from employment and business opportunities after the government started the construction of the standard gauge railway station in Kisumu.
Kenya Railways has assured residents they will be given first priority for jobs.
The groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday marked the start of physical works on the SGR station, months after President William Ruto launched the extension of the railway line to western Kenya in March this year.
Speaking at the site, Kenya Railways managing director Philip Mainga said the contractor had taken possession of the site, mobilised machinery and personnel, and was ready to begin construction immediately.
"What we have come to do today is not another launch. The President launched this project on March 21. Today, we are commencing work. The contractor is already on site with equipment and personnel and is ready to recruit," he said.
Mainga assured residents that employment opportunities created by the project would primarily go to people living along the railway corridor.
"I want to clarify that employment will be given to local people. We are not bringing workers from other areas where local labour is available. Wherever the railway passes, we recruit from the local community," he said.
Mainga said recruitment would be conducted in collaboration with county administrators to ensure a transparent process.
Construction, he said, had already begun in Narok a day earlier, with Kisumu becoming the latest site where works have officially started along Section 2B of the SGR.
He described the Kisumu station as one of the largest along the railway line, occupying more than 100 acres and serving as the central railway hub for western Kenya.
"This station will serve the entire western region. It is more than just a railway station. The economic dynamics of Kisumu county will change because of this investment," he said.
According to Mainga, the project will inject money into the local economy by creating direct and indirect employment while stimulating businesses that supply construction materials and services.
The contractor will source ballast, sand, aggregates and other building materials locally wherever possible, creating markets for suppliers, transporters and contractors. Food vendors, retailers and small-scale traders are also expected to benefit from the increased economic activity.
"Our mothers will prepare food for workers. Small businesses will emerge around the construction sites and many people will earn a living from this project," he said.
Mainga appealed to residents, political leaders and administrators to support the project, saying land acquisition remains one of the biggest challenges affecting timely delivery of major infrastructure projects.
He said the National Land Commission had already identified and gazetted Project Affected Persons around the station site and urged landowners to cooperate once compensation is completed.
"We are asking landowners to work with us so that once compensation is finalised, construction can proceed without delays," Mainga said.
He also warned residents against fraudsters impersonating National Land Commission officials or surveyors to defraud landowners.
"We have received reports of people impersonating government officials. Members of the public should not hand over title deeds or land documents to unauthorised persons. Only genuine Project Affected Persons will be compensated," he warned.
Mainga said although heavy machinery had only recently arrived, engineers had spent the past three months conducting topographical surveys, soil testing, engineering designs and consultations with local leaders to prepare the site for construction.
"We have completed the technical preparations. The contractor now understands the terrain, the soil conditions and the alignment. That groundwork was important to ensure construction proceeds efficiently," he said.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o described the start of construction as a historic milestone that would restore the city's position as a strategic transport and logistics hub for the Lake Victoria region.
"This is a historic day. A few months ago, the President launched this project, and today we are beginning the work of building a railway city that will once again place Kisumu at the centre of regional commerce," Nyong’o said.
He said the project would create jobs, expand markets for businesses and attract new investment into the lakeside city.
"I believe that within one year we shall see significant progress. This project will employ many people and create opportunities for food vendors, transport operators and many other service providers," he said.
Nyong’o commended Kenya Railways for moving swiftly from the launch phase to implementation, saying the railway terminal would become a catalyst for economic growth across western Kenya.
Kisumu county commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo said the commencement of construction demonstrated the government's commitment to delivering development projects.
He assured investors and residents that the national government would provide security and administrative support to ensure smooth implementation.
Residents welcomed the project, expressing hope the promise to prioritise local workers would be honoured.
Brian Ochieng, a youth from Kibos, said many young people had waited years to see the project move beyond announcements.
"We are happy that construction has finally started. We only hope the promise to employ local people will be fulfilled because many young people here are unemployed and need these opportunities," he said.
Once completed, the Kisumu SGR station is expected to serve as the main railway hub for western Kenya, improving passenger and freight transport, strengthening connectivity with neighbouring Uganda through the Lake Victoria corridor and positioning Kisumu as a key gateway for regional trade.
