[PHOTOS] Ruto, Museveni launch Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway

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President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni on Saturday flagged off the construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional transport and trade connectivity.

The launch of the 107-kilometre railway section took place at Kibos in Kisumu County, drawing a cross-section of leaders, stakeholders, and residents who gathered to witness the symbolic tightening of the bolt and nut, signaling the formal commencement of the project.

Several leaders attended the commissioning, including Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, and Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o.

Speaking during the commissioning, President Ruto said the project forms part of a broader plan to complete a seamless railway corridor linking Mombasa to Malaba and eventually connecting to Uganda’s rail network.

“Two days ago, we broke ground for the extension of the SGR from Narok to Kisumu, a distance of 264 kilometres that forms Phase 2B of this railway network. Today here at Kibos in Kisumu, we take yet another decisive and consequential step,” Ruto said.

He added that the 107-kilometre Kisumu–Malaba section will complete nearly 1,000 kilometres of continuous rail infrastructure from Mombasa to Malaba, creating a vital connection to the Malaba–Kampala railway line and enhancing cross-border trade and regional integration.

Ruto noted that the railway is expected to transform the Western Corridor and Lake Region by improving the movement of goods and reducing transportation costs, while opening up new economic opportunities for communities along the route.

The President emphasised that the government is prioritizing infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth, pointing out that the SGR expansion will strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub and boost trade within the East African Community.

The joint launch with President Museveni underscores growing cooperation between Kenya and Uganda in developing shared infrastructure aimed at facilitating faster and more efficient movement of cargo across borders.

Several leaders present at the event welcomed the project, terming it a game changer for the region, particularly for businesses and farmers who rely on efficient transport systems to access markets.

The Kisumu–Malaba SGR forms a critical component of the larger regional railway network that seeks to connect the port of Mombasa to landlocked countries in East Africa, including Uganda and beyond.