The Government of Kenya, through Kenya Railways, is moving forward with an ambitious expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), extending the line from Naivasha to Malaba. This major infrastructure project is set to transform regional connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and enhance trade across the Northern Corridor.
The project is divided into two sections. The first, the Naivasha–Kisumu section, stretches approximately 264 kilometres from Emurtoto in Narok County to Kisumu, including an 8.69-kilometre branch to the proposed new Kisumu Port. Along the way, the railway will pass through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, and Kisumu Counties. The second section, Kisumu–Malaba, runs for roughly 107 kilometres from Kisumu to Malaba, traversing Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia Counties.
The SGR expansion is a transformative national infrastructure project, implemented by Kenya Railways in collaboration with the National Land Commission, which is handling land acquisition and compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs).
His Excellency President William Ruto is scheduled to officially launch the project on March 19, 2026, at Mutonyi Area in Narok County, and on March 21, 2026, at Kibos Centre in Kisumu County.
Key Features of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR
The railway has been designed with a uniform specification to enable seamless operation across borders. Each freight train will carry up to 4,000 tonnes (216 TEUs) at speeds of 80 kilometres per hour, while passenger trains will accommodate 1,096 travellers at a designed speed of 120 kilometres per hour. The railway is expected to handle up to 22 million tonnes of freight annually, and its design prioritises environmental sustainability.
The Naivasha–Kisumu section will feature six intermediate stations—Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero—along with 17 crossing stations and a major freight terminal at Kisumu, integrated with the new Kisumu Port. The Kisumu–Malaba section will have two intermediate stations in Yala and Mumias, six crossing stations, and a major freight terminal at Malaba. The overall design includes 13 tunnels, 23 bridges, and 376 culverts.
Economic and Regional Benefits
The SGR extension is poised to reduce freight transport costs, speed up the movement of goods and passengers, and enhance trade competitiveness. By improving logistics efficiency, the project is expected to stimulate economic growth and attract investment along the corridor.
The railway will also strengthen regional integration, connecting Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Port of Mombasa. Additionally, it will support the development of Kenya’s blue economy and boost activities in key economic hubs along the route.
As the Naivasha–Malaba SGR moves from planning to implementation, it represents a critical milestone in Kenya’s vision for a modern, interconnected, and economically vibrant East Africa.
