MD Kenya Railways Joins President William Ruto in Landmark Launch of Kisumu–Malaba SGR Project
Leaders, stakeholders, and wananchi gathered in large numbers to witness a historic moment as the government officially launched the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, a key link in Kenya’s ambitious plan to build a fully connected regional railway network.
The event, attended by the Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation alongside President William Ruto, marked the expansion of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR corridor—an infrastructure project expected to reshape trade and economic activity across the Lake Region and beyond.
Described as more than just a railway line, the Kisumu–Malaba SGR is being positioned as a gateway to opportunity, connecting the shores of Lake Victoria to the border town of Malaba. The project is expected to significantly enhance regional integration by easing the movement of goods and people between Kenya and Uganda, and ultimately across East Africa.
“Leo ni leo,” declared leaders at the launch, emphasizing the long-awaited realization of a project that has been in planning for years. The railway is set to unlock trade potential, reduce transport costs, and boost exports and imports through improved connectivity to inland and port markets.
Beyond trade, the SGR project is also expected to create thousands of jobs during both construction and operational phases, providing a major economic boost to counties across Western Kenya. Local businesses, farmers, and manufacturers stand to benefit from faster, more efficient transport systems.
The Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba corridor forms a critical segment of Kenya’s broader infrastructure vision, linking the hinterland to the port of Mombasa and strengthening the Northern Corridor—a vital trade route for East Africa.
As construction begins, optimism remains high that the project will transform livelihoods, stimulate regional development, and position Kenya as a logistics hub in the region.
The launch signals a bold step forward in the country’s infrastructure journey, reaffirming the government’s commitment to driving economic growth through strategic investments in transport and connectivity.