March 21, 2026 – Kibos, Kisumu County, Kenya
In a historic moment for Kenya and the wider East African region, President William Samoei Ruto, accompanied by Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, today led the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) at Kibos in Kisumu County. The railway, part of the larger Mombasa-Malaba corridor, is poised to revolutionize transport, trade, and regional connectivity in East Africa.
The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba line represents a critical milestone in the ongoing development of Kenya’s railway network. It forms part of the grand vision to link East Africa’s economic hubs and facilitate the free flow of goods and people across borders, enhancing regional integration. The new rail line is expected to cover a distance of 107 kilometers, creating a nearly 1,000-kilometer rail link from Mombasa to Malaba, providing seamless connectivity between Kenya and Uganda, and offering a vital extension to the Malaba-Kampala line.
A Reflection on History
In his address during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Ruto reminded the audience of the profound historical significance of railways in shaping the region’s economic landscape. He drew parallels with the original Uganda Railway, built over 130 years ago by the British colonial administration, which connected the Indian Ocean at Mombasa to the interior of East Africa. The legacy of that railway transformed cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret, boosting trade and creating the economic hubs we know today.
“History teaches us that infrastructure development doesn’t just connect places; it often creates them,” said President Ruto. He emphasized that the new SGR line would not only improve regional connectivity but also drive economic growth, create opportunities for businesses, and reduce inefficiencies in the transport sector.
A Vision of Regional Integration
The new rail corridor aligns with Kenya’s broader vision for regional integration and economic development. By linking Kenya’s industrial heartland in Nairobi with the agricultural zones of Kisumu, Nakuru, and beyond, the SGR aims to stimulate trade, reduce logistics costs, and improve access to markets for farmers, industrialists, and consumers alike.
“This railway will connect farmers to markets, enabling the fast and efficient transportation of goods such as livestock, tea, dairy, grains, and fish across the region,” President Ruto noted. He added that the project would also foster the growth of industrial parks, logistics hubs, and commercial centers along the corridor, attracting significant private sector investment.
Additionally, the SGR expansion will reduce transit times for goods, cutting down the time it takes for cargo to travel from Mombasa to Malaba, and ultimately to Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, the region stands to benefit from greater economic efficiency and competitiveness.
Enhancing Trade and Connectivity
The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba railway is expected to drastically reduce freight costs by at least 40% per tonne per kilometer. It will also cut transit times by nearly 30%, with the share of cargo moved by rail expected to increase significantly. As a result, the pressure on the country’s road infrastructure will ease, leading to a reduction in wear and tear on roads and better overall transport efficiency.
The expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway network aligns with the commitments made by the Presidents of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda to enhance connectivity through the extension of the SGR to Kampala, Kigali, and Juba. These efforts culminated in the signing of the SGR Protocol and Tripartite Agreement, which ensures the development of a seamless railway system across the region.
President Museveni, who joined the ceremony in solidarity, hailed the project as a testament to the ongoing commitment to East African integration. “This railway is more than just an infrastructure project; it’s a symbol of the unity and shared ambition of our region,” he remarked.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway is expected to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. As President Ruto aptly pointed out, the railway of the past century defined the region, while the modern railway being constructed today will shape its future.
“Some 100 years from now, when future generations look back on this moment, let them see it as a turning point—the moment when we laid the foundation for their prosperity, strengthened the bonds of regional integration, and set in motion a new era of growth, dignity, and shared opportunity for our region and our continent,” he concluded.
With this monumental step, Kenya and Uganda have reaffirmed their shared vision for a prosperous, integrated East Africa. As the SGR continues to take shape, the entire region stands poised to experience enhanced connectivity, improved logistics, and more efficient trade, propelling East Africa toward a brighter, more unified future.
