Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B and 2C, linking Naivasha to Malaba via Kisumu, is scheduled to kick off in March, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has announced.
The governor revealed the update on Tuesday after a consultative session involving local leaders, Kenya Railways, the National Land Commission, and representatives of the national government.
The meeting focused on ensuring that the project benefits communities along the railway corridor while addressing land acquisition and livelihood concerns.
“This engagement aims to ensure the railway expansion delivers economic benefits to communities along the corridor while addressing concerns linked to land acquisition and livelihoods,” Nyong’o said.
Governor Nyong’o explained that the discussions highlighted timely compensation for affected residents, creation of jobs for local youth, and active participation of local businesses in the project. The approach seeks to ensure that residents benefit from both employment and business opportunities as construction progresses.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o during a consultative meeting with the county leadership ON FEBRUARY 24, 2026.PHOTOHANDOUTThe SGR Phase 2B line will stretch approximately 264 kilometres, forming a vital connection between the Lake Region and Kenya’s wider railway network.
The infrastructure project will involve extensive civil works, including 79 railway bridges spanning about 43 kilometres, eight tunnels measuring a total of 14.26 kilometres, and 376 culverts covering roughly seven kilometres.
The project will also feature 26 stations: one major station, six intermediate stations, and 18 crossing stations. A freight port facility will complement the railway, while an 8.68-kilometre branch line will connect the main railway to the proposed Kisumu Port.
This branch will include one bridge and eight culverts to enable smooth cargo transfer between rail and lake transport.
Once completed, the railway line is expected to improve both passenger and cargo transport, enhance connectivity between rail services and Lake Victoria transport, and boost economic activity in Kisumu and surrounding counties.
