Kitui Central Member of Parliament Makali Mulu has called for careful management and strategic oversight of the standard gauge railway (SGR) extension to Malaba, stressing that the project should deliver real economic value for Kenya.

In a local interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Mulu discussed the significance of the infrastructure and emphasised that the SGR should not only improve trade with neighbouring countries but also bring in a significant amount of money for the nation.

“Even as we extend the SGR to Malaba, we must ensure it adds value and boosts trade with our neighbours to a level where it generates revenue for the country. We must 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.

The legislator also raised concerns over the continued reliance on foreign expertise in managing SGR operations, pointing to Mombasa as a case study.

His remarks come amid growing national discussions about leveraging major infrastructure projects to create jobs, build local expertise, and promote sustainable economic growth. Experts note that projects like the SGR have the potential to transform regional trade, but their long-term success depends on local capacity building and proper management structures.

Mulu’s call emphasises a dual approach

Mulu has called for a dual-approach strategy by expanding infrastructure while ensuring that Kenyans are trained, involved, and capable of managing key operations, reducing dependence on foreign firms and maximising national benefit.

As the SGR reaches Malaba, Mulu is calling out for Kenya to balance the ambitious infrastructure development with local empowerment and revenue generation, setting a precedent for future projects.

The 369-kilometre railway line, which will extend from Naivasha through Narok and Kisumu to Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border, is valued at Ksh500 billion and is poised to become a key segment of the regional transport corridor.

The project aims to enhance trade, streamline freight movement, and boost passenger travel across East Africa, connecting the western Kenyan region directly to the Port of Mombasa.

The Narok-Kisumu-Malaba SGR project is part of Kenya’s broader vision to modernise its railway network, complement the Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha SGR line, and position East Africa as a competitive trade and transport hub.