Its all systems go for launch of Naivasha

*Transport Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir and Railways MD Philip Mainga amongst other government officials during inspection tour ahead of SGR extension launch in the lakeside city/Faith Matete*

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President William Ruto will on Saturday host his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni for a historic groundbreaking of the Naivasha–Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension.

Transport CSy David Chirchir on Monday said the government is ready for the launch of the 369-kilometre railway line that will link Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.

Chirchir who toured Kisumu ahead of the launch described the railway as a major project that will transform transport along the regional corridor, which is currently dominated by road transport.

“This is a very significant construction which will open up the regional transport corridor that is currently serviced predominantly by trucks,” he said.

According to Chirchir, the new railway line will not only improve the movement of goods but will also provide passenger transport services, making it easier for people to travel and access markets.

“It will facilitate the transportation of goods to market and also improve passenger movement, enhancing connectivity between people and regions,” he added.

Earlier, on February 26, key stakeholders including Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, MPs, MCAs, National Land Commission officials, and technical experts met in Kisumu to review final preparations.

Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga confirmed the ceremony is scheduled as planned, with preliminary activities already underway.

A top priority before construction begins is ensuring fair compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

National Lands Commission Director Joel Ombati said Kisumu county has the highest number of affected residents and that a digital platform will map parcels and ownership data to complete compensation within eight months.

Mainga urged residents to have valid identification and active bank accounts, noting that documentation gaps have delayed previous projects.

Any grievances will be handled through consultations with local leaders and the NLC to avoid lengthy court disputes.

He said the SGR alignment is fully designed and cannot be altered.

Passenger trains will run at 120 km/h, while freight trains will operate at 80 km/h. Phase 2B will feature seven stations, including six intermediate stops—Mulot, Narok, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero—with a main terminus in Kisumu West.

Kisumu county will also host two passenger and two freight stations at Kibos and Kodiaga. The line includes 79 bridges covering 43km, eight tunnels spanning 14.26km, and 376 culverts.

It will accommodate freight trains of up to 4,000 tonnes, while the Kisumu Port branch will feature one bridge and eight culverts.

Governor Nyong’o described the railway as more than a transport upgrade.

“Extending the line to Kisumu and onwards to Malaba could lower logistics costs, stimulate industrial growth, expand agricultural value chains, and attract investment in warehousing, cold storage, fisheries, and manufacturing,” he said.

He added that Kisumu, strategically located on Lake Victoria, could become a multimodal hub integrating rail, lake, and road transport, strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness in the East African trade network.

Local MPs have voiced their support for the project. Muhoroni MP James Onyango K’oyoo pledged political backing while Shakeel Shabir of Kisumu East urged priority employment of local youth. Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu emphasised careful handling of compensation.

Nyanza regional commissioner Flora Mworoa said the railway is expected to boost agro-processing, manufacturing, and cross-border trade, reinforcing Kisumu’s role as a regional gateway.

Once complete, the Naivasha–Kisumu SGR line will enhance cargo movement from the Port of Mombasa through Nairobi and Naivasha to the lake region, with onward transport by lake and road into Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

“The SGR extension is a historic project that will reshape the regional economy and connectivity,” Chirchir said, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful launch.