Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan Reaffirm Commitment to Standard Gauge Railway for Regional Growth

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By Irene


Transport leaders from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan today held a high-level consultative meeting to advance the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for the East African region. The meeting, attended by Kenya's Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, EGH, Uganda's State Minister for Transport H.E. Fred Byamukama, and South Sudan Transport Ministry representative Ms. Arek A. Deng, underscored the three nations’ shared commitment to strengthening regional connectivity through modern railway infrastructure.

Speaking at the session, CS Davis Chirchir emphasized that the SGR is a transformative project that will enhance mobility for both passengers and cargo across East Africa. He noted that upon completion, the project will play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless trade and travel within the region.

“This project is central to the realization of a more connected and competitive East Africa,” said Chirchir. “The Standard Gauge Railway will significantly boost the movement of goods and people while easing pressure on our roads and reducing transport costs.”

Uganda’s State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the regional railway project, revealing that construction of the SGR section from Kampala to Malaba is already underway. He added that the line will connect with the Mombasa–Malaba section at the border town, creating a continuous rail link from Kenya’s coast to Uganda and beyond.

On her part, Ms. Arek A. Deng reiterated South Sudan’s support for the regional initiative, noting that improved railway connectivity will enhance trade and integration among East African nations.

The leaders agreed that the SGR project is a vital infrastructure investment for the region, with wide-ranging benefits including reduced road maintenance costs, lower carbon emissions, and increased competitiveness for East Africa in the continental market.

Kenya’s SGR has already demonstrated its impact on efficiency and trade facilitation. In October 2025, Kenya Railways recorded the highest freight volumes since the project’s inception, transporting 640 million tonnes of cargo—an achievement that highlights the growing importance of rail transport in the country’s logistics chain.

Also present at the meeting were the Principal Secretary for Transport, Mohamed Daghar, CBS, and the Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga  who both reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to collaborating with regional partners to ensure the timely and successful completion of the SGR network.

The meeting concluded with a joint declaration to continue strengthening cross-border partnerships and coordination mechanisms to accelerate the realization of the Standard Gauge Railway for the benefit of the entire East African region.

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