Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o during a consultative meeting with the county leadership / HANDOUT

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has announced that construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B and 2C from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba is set to begin in March.

The governor said the update followed a consultative meeting bringing together Kisumu leaders, Kenya Railways, the National Land Commission and national government officials.

Nyong’o noted that the meeting prioritised timely compensation for persons affected by the project, employment opportunities for local youth, and inclusion of local enterprises in the implementation process.

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, among other leaders, during a visit to the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in the Kibos area of Kisumu / HANDOUT 
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He said that the stakeholder engagement aims to ensure the railway expansion delivers economic benefits to communities along the corridor while addressing concerns linked to land acquisition and livelihoods.

The proposed SGR Phase 2B project will stretch approximately 264 kilometres, forming a key link in the railway network connecting the Lake Region to the wider national and regional transport system.

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, among other leaders, during a visit to the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in the Kibos area of Kisumu / HANDOUT 

The line will feature extensive civil works, including 79 railway bridges with a combined length of about 43 kilometres, eight tunnels measuring a total of 14.26 kilometres, and 376 culverts spanning roughly seven kilometres.

In the initial phase, the project will also deliver 26 stations comprising one major station, six intermediate stations and 18 crossing stations, alongside one freight port facility.

The plan further includes an 8.68-kilometre branch line linking the main railway to the proposed Kisumu Port.

The spur will incorporate one bridge and eight culverts to support cargo movement between rail and lake transport.

Once completed, the SGR Phase 2B line is expected to significantly improve freight and passenger mobility, strengthen intermodal connectivity between rail services and transport on Lake Victoria, and stimulate economic growth across the Lake Region and neighbouring areas.

Staff at the site visit of the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in the Kibos area of Kisumu/ HANDOUT 
Proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in the Kibos area of Kisumu / HANDOUT