President William Ruto’s recent four-day state visit to China has marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s infrastructure development, with the signing of a key deal to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba. The new project, which is set to begin construction as early as July, promises to enhance Kenya’s regional connectivity and bolster its transportation network, crucial for economic growth.
The Naivasha-Malaba SGR line, which will span several counties including Narok, Bomet, Kericho, and Kisumu, is a strategic development aimed at improving the efficiency of freight and passenger transport within Kenya and the wider East African region. The line will also include a crucial branch leading to the proposed Kisumu port, which could open new trade routes and economic opportunities for the region.
President Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed various funding options during their meeting, settling on a model that will support the project’s estimated budget of Sh654 billion. This collaboration is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to build robust transport networks, which are essential for enhancing trade, reducing costs, and improving the movement of goods across borders.
The project, known as Phase 2B of the SGR, will cover 262.3 kilometers, with 25 stations planned along its route. Of these, 15 stations are set to be operational at the outset, while the remaining 10 will be developed in the future to meet growing demand. This ambitious project is expected to transform the region’s transport landscape, boosting economic activity, and creating thousands of jobs in the construction and operational phases.
The Naivasha-Malaba SGR is a testament to the strengthening ties between Kenya and China, with the latter continuing to play a pivotal role in supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development. With work set to begin soon, this new railway line will undoubtedly contribute significantly to Kenya’s long-term economic development goals.
