In a historic milestone for East African transport, President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni, have officially launched the Narok-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the Kibos SGR site in Kisumu on Saturday, March 21, 2026, marking the beginning of the next phase in Kenya’s ambitious railway expansion program.

 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.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and secure ceremony.

“We have come to Kisumu to assess the readiness for the groundbreaking of the SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and eventually to Malaba. This is a significant day we will celebrate with our President and President Museveni as we launch this transformative project,” CS Chirchir said during a media briefing at the Kibos site.

The SGR extension is expected to reduce dependence on road transport, which currently dominates the movement of goods and passengers in the region.

Officials highlight that the railway will not only facilitate faster, safer, and more efficient cargo transport but also provide passenger services, improving connectivity between key urban centres and boosting economic activity along the corridor.

The Kisumu launch underscores Kenya and Uganda’s commitment to deepening regional integration through infrastructure.

 By linking major trade hubs, the project is expected to lower logistics costs, enhance cross-border trade, and strengthen bilateral relations.

“This railway is more than a construction project; it is a regional game-changer. It will open up new opportunities for trade, industry, and travel, benefiting both Kenya and Uganda,” the CS said.

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.