MP Makali Mulu calls for local control in SGR extension to Malaba
By Emmanuel Rono, March 25, 2026Kitui Central Constituency Member of Parliament Makali Mulu Mulu has issued a call for the government to ensure the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba prioritises economic value and local management over continued reliance on foreign expertise.
Speaking during a morning talk show with a local station on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Mulu acknowledged that the SGR is “important infrastructure” that offers significant advantages for moving bulk cargo and saving time compared to the old meter gauge railway.
“The SGR is an important infrastructure in this country, and it can be of benefit. One of the critical ones is the movement of bulk cargo, which might not be possible to move using normal lorries,” Mulu said.
Mulu highlighted its potential within the East African Community, which boasts a market of roughly 300 million people.
Huge population to benefit
He said the huge population means the country can take advantage of that population and move goods to different destinations in this community.
“In the spirit of the East Africa community because you know we have become a community, when you look at the population of now the community is about 300 million people and this is a huge market so it means you really take advantage of that population and move our goods to different destinations in this community, then obvious you can increase trade and that trade will be benefit to the citizens and the region,” Mulu said.
He raised critical questions regarding the project’s financing and long-term benefits, noting that the total cost for the line from Mombasa to Naivasha has reached approximately 480 billion shillings, yet the investment is currently struggling to break even due to traffic levels.
Revenue Generator
“Even as we extend the SGR to Malava, we must ensure it adds value and boosts trade with our neighbors to a level where it generates revenue for the country,” Mulu stated.
He warned that without a clear strategy for technology transfer, Kenya risks relying on foreigners for both human resources and essential spare parts.
“We must also put in place mechanisms to ensure technology transfer and empower locals to manage it, instead of relying on foreigners like in Mombasa, where many SGR services are still managed by China,” Mulu said.