Construction of Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR begins in Narok

President William Ruto during the launch of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR on March 19, 2026. (Photo: PCS)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Wednesday, July 1, 2026

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The railway is expected to connect with the 272-kilometre Kampala-Malaba SGR, which President Ruto and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni agreed upon in March.

The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has commenced construction of the long-awaited Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), with works officially beginning in Narok County.

The 475-kilometre railway extension will run from Naivasha to Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border through Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu, forming a key section of the Northern Corridor transport network aimed at enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

Announcing the commencement on Wednesday, KRC described the start of construction as a major milestone for the project.

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The commencement of works follows the groundbreaking of the project by President William Ruto in March, paving the way for full-scale construction.

According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the project will be implemented in two phases. Phase 2B will cover about 264 kilometres from Naivasha to Kisumu, including an 8.69-kilometre branch line to Kisumu Port, while Phase 2C will extend the railway from Kisumu to Malaba, linking Kenya's railway network with Uganda.

The railway is expected to connect with the 272-kilometre Kampala-Malaba SGR, which President Ruto and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni agreed upon in March.

KRC and the National Land Commission (NLC) held public engagement forums with Project Affected Persons (PAPs) to explain land acquisition procedures, compensation processes and the legal framework governing the project.

Once complete, the railway is expected to strengthen transport links between the Port of Mombasa and the Uganda border, while boosting trade, investment, tourism and regional integration across the East African Community (EAC).