Construction of Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR begins as Kenya Railways promises jobs for locals
By Viola Kosome, July 2, 2026Construction of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project officially commenced at the Kibos site in Kisumu County on July 2, 2026, with Kenya Railways assuring residents that the multi-billion-shilling project will prioritize local employment.
Speaking during the commencement of works, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said the event marked the beginning of actual construction following the project’s launch by President William Ruto on March 21, 2026.
Work commences
“We have not come to launch the project because it was already launched by the president. Today we have come to commence work. The contractor is on site with equipment and personnel and is ready to begin recruiting local people from today,” said Mainga.
He emphasized that employment opportunities generated by the project would be reserved for communities living along the railway corridor, noting that recruitment would be conducted in collaboration with local administrators and the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).
Mainga said construction had already started in Narok before moving to Kisumu, where the contractor has begun work on what will become the region’s central SGR station covering more than 100 acres.
He described the Kibos facility as the main multimodal railway station for Western Kenya, saying it would significantly transform Kisumu’s economy and position the city as a regional transport and logistics hub.
“This is more than just a railway station. The dynamics of this county will change. From today, people will begin to see new investments, businesses and economic opportunities emerging,” he said.
The Kenya Railways boss said the project would stimulate the local economy through the sourcing of construction materials such as ballast, sand and aggregates from the region while creating opportunities for suppliers, traders and small-scale entrepreneurs.
“Our mothers will be cooking for workers, small kiosks will be established to serve construction staff and many businesses will benefit from this investment,” he added.
Mainga said the contractor had already mobilised heavy machinery, technical personnel and support staff to the site, signalling the transition from planning to actual implementation of the long-awaited railway project.
He noted that the first three months had been dedicated to detailed engineering designs, topographical surveys, soil investigations and verification of the railway alignment, saying the preparatory work had enabled the contractor to understand the terrain and commence construction without delays.
SGR works gather pace
The Managing Director further assured residents that the contractor had the technical and financial capacity to deliver the 262-kilometre Section 2B within the projected two-year timeline, adding that visible progress would be evident within the next three to four months as work gathers momentum.
Mainga appealed to landowners whose properties fall within the project corridor to cooperate with the compensation process being undertaken by the National Land Commission to avoid delays in implementation.
He said the commission had already identified and gazetted affected landowners around the Kibos station and was preparing compensation payments.
He further cautioned residents against fraudsters impersonating officials from the National Land Commission and Kenya Railways in an attempt to defraud project-affected persons.
“We do not want anybody to be duped into surrendering their title deeds or documents to criminals pretending to facilitate compensation. Only genuine project-affected persons will be compensated,” he warned.
Mainga expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the 262-kilometre Section 2B linking Narok to Kisumu within two years.
Milestone
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o described the commencement of construction as a historic milestone that would restore Kisumu’s strategic role in regional trade and transport.
“We are gathered here for a very historic day. Today we are beginning the journey towards building a railway city that will remind us of the historic role of rail transport in East Africa and strengthen connections with neighbouring countries through Lake Victoria,” said Nyong’o.
The governor said the project would generate thousands of jobs while creating demand for accommodation, food services and other businesses within the city.
“I hope that within a year we shall begin seeing the reality of this railway city. It will provide employment for many people and create a market for numerous services in Kisumu,” he added.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the railway project.
“The SGR project is real and you can see it for yourselves. The government is a government of action and we are ready to support the contractor to ensure the works proceed smoothly,” he said.
The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR project is expected to improve cargo and passenger transport between Kenya and neighbouring countries while enhancing trade, investment and regional integration across western Kenya and the East African region.