Kenya starts work on Naivasha–Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway

Naivasha–Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway work has begun. Also, President William Ruto led the launch on 19 March 2026. That is according to Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport.

Meanwhile, the event took place at Narok Teachers Training College in Narok County. The President said it is part of the government’s continuing plan. It would extend the Kenya Standard Gauge Railway beyond Naivasha to Kisumu. It would later continue to Malaba, near the border with Uganda.

Kenya Standard Gauge Railway plans beyond Naivasha

Separately, Kenya began its SGR programme in 2014. It was meant to replace the country’s century-old metre-gauge railway. Also, the first phase linked Mombasa with Nairobi. It was later extended to Naivasha. It already supports passenger and freight services. That is outlined in the Kenya Railways Strategic Plan 2023–2027.

Naivasha–Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway route and scope

In addition, the Naivasha–Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway section will run for about 264 kilometres. It will also include an 8.69-kilometre Kisumu port branch line. It would link to a planned port facility in Kisumu. That detail was reported by Railway-News. Meanwhile, the planned Kisumu–Malaba extension is expected to cover roughly 107 kilometres. It would provide a rail connection toward Uganda.

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Also, the route will pass through nine counties:

• Narok
• Bomet
• Nyamira
• Kericho
• Kisumu
• Siaya
• Vihiga
• Kakamega
• Busia

In addition, the line is intended to carry goods and passengers across the region. At the same time, it is meant to improve inland links. Those links would reach the port of Mombasa.

Still, the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba extension forms part of wider plans. Those plans would link Kenya’s rail network with neighbouring countries in East Africa.

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