The project, which had stalled for nearly six years, aims to transform transport, trade, and regional connectivity across western Kenya and the Northern Corridor.
The launch, held in Suswa, Narok County, featured the President symbolically tightening a commemorative nut to signify the commencement of construction.
The launch, held in Suswa, Narok County, featured the President symbolically tightening a commemorative nut to signify the commencement of construction.
The railway will be developed in two phases: the Naivasha-Kisumu stretch covering 264 kilometres and the Kisumu-Malaba segment extending 107 kilometres, bringing the total line to over 370 kilometres.
Once complete, the SGR will traverse nine counties, linking the Great Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions, and is expected to be completed by June 2027.
Kenya Railways Chairperson Abdi Duale said the railway would extend modern rail transport to Kisumu and Malaba, effectively completing a vital segment of the Northern Corridor.
Kenya Railways Chairperson Abdi Duale said the railway would extend modern rail transport to Kisumu and Malaba, effectively completing a vital segment of the Northern Corridor.
An 8.69-kilometre branch line will connect the railway to the proposed Kisumu Port, supporting lake transport and logistics.
Along the route, the Naivasha-Kisumu section will feature six intermediate stations in Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero, alongside 17 crossing stations across Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, and Kisumu counties.
Along the route, the Naivasha-Kisumu section will feature six intermediate stations in Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero, alongside 17 crossing stations across Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, and Kisumu counties.
The Kisumu-Malaba segment will include two intermediate stations at Yala and Mumias, and six crossing stations across Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia counties.
Engineering works include the construction of 13 tunnels, 23 bridges, and 376 culverts to navigate diverse terrain.
Engineering works include the construction of 13 tunnels, 23 bridges, and 376 culverts to navigate diverse terrain.
Passenger trains will carry up to 1,096 passengers at speeds of 120 km/h, while freight trains will transport up to 4,000 tonnes at 80 km/h, facilitating an annual cargo capacity of 22 million tonnes.
The SGR project is expected to relieve pressure on Kenya’s road network, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.
The SGR project is expected to relieve pressure on Kenya’s road network, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance cross-border trade with neighbouring countries.
The government has committed over KSh500 billion to the initiative, reviving a project that had faced funding challenges after reduced support from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
President Ruto emphasized that the SGR would not only boost economic growth but also create employment opportunities for local communities along the corridor, particularly in Narok, Kisumu, and Western Kenya.
With this launch, the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR is set to become a backbone of regional transport, linking Kenya’s inland trade hubs with ports and neighbouring East African countries.
President Ruto emphasized that the SGR would not only boost economic growth but also create employment opportunities for local communities along the corridor, particularly in Narok, Kisumu, and Western Kenya.
With this launch, the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR is set to become a backbone of regional transport, linking Kenya’s inland trade hubs with ports and neighbouring East African countries.
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