Construction of Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba to begin in March

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has confirmed that construction of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba will begin in March. The governor said the announcement follows a consultative meeting involving Kisumu leaders, Kenya Railways, the National Land Commission, and national government officials. He noted that the discussions focused on timely compensation for affected landowners, employment opportunities for local youth, and the inclusion of local enterprises in the project’s implementation. The proposed SGR Phase 2B will cover approximately 264 kilometers, forming a critical link between the Lake Region and the national and regional transport network. The line will feature major civil works, including 79 bridges totaling 43 kilometers, eight tunnels stretching 14.26 kilometers, and 376 culverts covering about seven kilometers. The initial phase will deliver 26 stations—one major station, six intermediate stations, and 18 crossing stations—alongside a dedicated freight port facility. The plan also includes an 8.68-kilometer branch line connecting the main railway to the proposed Kisumu Port, complete with one bridge and eight culverts to support seamless cargo movement between rail and lake transport.