Kenya and Uganda have taken a bold step toward improving regional transport after Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni presided over the launch of the Narok–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway in Kisumu.
The event, held at the Kibos SGR site on Saturday, March 21, 2026, marked the official start of construction for the long-anticipated railway extension.
The planned line will stretch 369 kilometres from Naivasha, passing through Narok and Kisumu before terminating at Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border. With a projected cost of Sh500 billion, the project is expected to play a central role in linking inland regions to the Port of Mombasa while strengthening trade routes across East Africa.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, who spoke ahead of the ceremony, said the government had confirmed that all was set for the groundbreaking. He described the launch as a major moment for the country and the wider region.
“We have come to Kisumu to assess the readiness for the groundbreaking of the SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and eventually to Malaba. This is a significant day we will celebrate with our President and President Museveni as we launch this transformative project,” CS Chirchir said during a media briefing at the Kibos site.
The railway is expected to change how goods and passengers move across the region. At present, roads carry the largest share of transport, often leading to delays and high costs. The new line is designed to provide a more efficient option, cutting travel time and improving reliability.
Government officials note that the project will support both freight and passenger services, opening up towns along the route and making movement easier for businesses and travellers. It is also expected to encourage growth in trade by lowering the cost of moving goods between Kenya and Uganda.
The joint launch highlights the continued cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in building infrastructure that supports economic growth. By connecting key commercial centres, the railway is expected to improve cross-border trade and bring the region closer together.
“This railway is more than a construction project; it is a regional game-changer. It will open up new opportunities for trade, industry, and travel, benefiting both Kenya and Uganda,” the CS said.
The Narok–Kisumu–Malaba extension is part of a wider effort by Kenya to expand and modernise its railway network. It will link with the existing Mombasa–Nairobi–Naivasha SGR line, creating a continuous corridor aimed at making East Africa more competitive in trade and transport.