Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has lauded the government’s effort to extend the Standard Gauge Railway beyond Naivasha to Kisumu, Malaba and into Uganda.

According to Kindiki, extension of the SGR will help Kenya achieve its ambition of joining a first-world economic status.

“Extension of the Standard Gauge Railway is a key milestone in the journey of Kenya’s aspiration to join first-world economic status within a single generation, as Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, and China did,” the DP said on Saturday, March 21, 2026, through a social media post.

“A modern railway system, seaports, airports and road networks are key trade and investment enablers with the potential of accelerating the development of Kenya into a globally competitive market economy,” he added.

“Transforming Kenya, one step at a time.”

President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, launched the Naivasha-Narok-Bomet-Kisumu-Malaba railway extension on Saturday.

Ruto praises new SGR project

According to the Head of State, extension of the railway to Kisumu, Malaba and into the neighbouring countries will spur economic growth.

“The Kenya-Uganda Railway, a colonial infrastructure traversing Kenya from the Coast to the Western region and into Uganda, profoundly shaped the geography and economic trajectory of our region,” Ruto said.

“It laid the foundation upon which towns emerged, grew, and evolved into thriving urban centres and cities. By catalysing trade and unlocking economic potential, the railway determined which centres flourished into vibrant metropolises, becoming lifelines of commerce and connectivity across East Africa.

“As we launch the Kisumu-Malaba section of the SGR, alongside Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, we are confident that this modern infrastructure will replicate and surpass that legacy by igniting new growth corridors,” he added.

“The planned extension of the SGR from Uganda to DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and beyond will further unlock regional opportunities, stimulating fresh waves of economic activity and deepening integration in our region.”

Extension of the SGR is one of Ruto’s flagship projects in his first term.