Construction of the long-anticipated Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension has officially commenced, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Kenya’s rail infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity along the Northern Corridor.

The SGR extension is estimated to cost between Ks500 billion and Ksh700 billion.

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

“Today is truly a great day for Kenya Railways and for Kenya. Today marks a historic milestone as the official construction works for the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project have commenced in Narok County,” Kenya Railways wrote on X on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

The new railway line will extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira, and Kisumu, before terminating at Malaba on the Kenya–Uganda border. It is expected to significantly enhance freight and passenger movement between the Port of Mombasa and neighbouring Uganda.

According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the project will be implemented in two phases. Phase 2B will cover the Naivasha–Kisumu section, including a spur line to Kisumu Port, while Phase 2C will extend the line from Kisumu to Malaba, completing the link to the border.

Government officials noted that the extension is expected to boost trade, stimulate industrial development, and attract investment across counties along the corridor. It is also anticipated to strengthen tourism and improve regional logistics efficiency.

Before the commencement of works, Kenya Railways and the National Land Commission conducted extensive public participation forums with Project Affected Persons (PAPs), focusing on land acquisition, compensation procedures, and legal safeguards to ensure transparency and preparedness.

The government has described the SGR extension as a strategic infrastructure investment aimed at deepening economic integration within the East African Community. Uganda’s parallel plans to extend its own standard gauge network from Malaba to Kampala are expected to further enhance cross-border connectivity once completed.