The construction of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line is set to kick off in March 2026.

This was revealed following a meeting between Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, the technical team and stakeholders including Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly from affected areas in Kisumu County.

During the meeting held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the stakeholders conducted a site visit to the proposed SGR Terminus in the Kibos area of Kisumu.

“Following the consultative meeting, the Kisumu leadership led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and technical teams conducted a site visit to the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in the Kibos area of Kisumu. The visit enabled stakeholders to assess the proposed location and gain first-hand insight into the scope of the planned infrastructure and its anticipated impact on regional connectivity and trade,” Kenya Railways stated.

The proposed SGR Phase 2B project will span approximately 264 kilometres, forming a critical link in the railway network connecting the region to the broader national and regional transport system.

Key components of the project will include 79 railway bridges with a combined length of approximately 43 kilometres, eight tunnels with a total length of 14.26 kilometres and 376 culverts spanning approximately seven kilometres.

The project will also entail 26 stations in the initial phase, comprising one major station, six intermediate stations, and eighteen crossing stations, as well as one freight port facility and an 8.68-kilometre branch line linking the main railway to the proposed Kisumu Port, which will include one bridge and eight culverts.

Once completed, the line is expected to significantly enhance freight and passenger movement, strengthen intermodal connectivity between rail and lake transport on Lake Victoria, and stimulate economic growth in the Lake Region and beyond.

In a statement after the meeting, Nyong’o said that discussions focused on compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs), youth participation in construction, and other project impacts.

“Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B & 2C from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba is expected to begin in March. The extension from Suswa/Naivasha to Kisumu will include approximately 83 kilometres within Kisumu County, running from Sondu through Ahero to Kisumu Town and continuing toward Malaba via Kisumu West Sub-County,” Nyong’o stated.

“The County Government’s priorities are clear: meaningful local participation, job creation for youth and skilled professionals, inclusion of local enterprises in procurement and supply chains, responsible environmental management, fair and transparent engagement with affected communities and alignment of the railway corridor with sustainable urban and industrial planning.”

Nyong’o says that all relevant agencies will conduct grassroots consultations in local villages as implementation begins, ensuring communities are directly engaged in the project.