Ruto, Museveni Launch Naivasha–Malaba SGR Link to Boost Regional Trade
News Updated: 21 March 2026 12:27 EAT
The launch of Kisumu-Malaba SGR construction by Presidents William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni
President William Samoei Ruto and Yoweri Museveni jointly presided over the launch of construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba section of the Standard Gauge Railway in Kisumu, marking a major step in efforts to extend the railway to the Ugandan border.
The Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba phase is designed to connect the existing SGR terminus at Naivasha to Kisumu on Lake Victoria and onward to Malaba, a key Kenya–Uganda border point, forming part of the Northern Corridor transport network.
The project is structured to facilitate seamless cargo movement from the Port of Mombasa through inland Kenya to Uganda and potentially to other landlocked countries within the East African region.
During his address, President Ruto stated that the railway extension would enhance the movement of goods, lower logistics costs, and improve efficiency in trade between Kenya and its regional partners.
He confirmed that the government had adopted a phased implementation model for the railway project, with construction progressing in segments based on available financing and infrastructure priorities.
Ruto said the line will pass through multiple counties including Narok, Kericho, Kisumu, Kakamega and Busia, opening up agricultural zones and industrial centres to improved rail transport.
President Museveni affirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional railway connectivity, indicating that Uganda is also advancing plans for its own SGR network to link with Kenya’s line at Malaba.
He emphasized the importance of coordinated infrastructure development between the two countries to ensure interoperability and efficiency once the cross-border rail link is completed.
Leaders present at the Kisumu event included Oburu Oginga, Anyang' Nyong'o, Gladys Wanga and Junet Mohamed among other national and county officials.
Oburu Oginga called for the establishment of a joint Kenya–Uganda management framework for Lake Victoria to address security challenges and improve coordination between the two countries.
He highlighted concerns affecting fishermen operating on the lake, including cross-border arrests, disputes over fishing zones and illegal fishing activities.
The proposal included coordinated patrols and shared oversight mechanisms aimed at safeguarding livelihoods and reducing tensions among communities living along the lake.
President Ruto also outlined complementary development projects in the region, including investments in housing, health infrastructure and modernization of public facilities in Kisumu and surrounding counties.
The SGR extension forms part of Kenya’s long-term infrastructure plan to strengthen regional integration under the East African Community framework by improving transport linkages.
Construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba section is expected to accelerate cargo movement efficiency, reduce reliance on road transport, and enhance trade flows between Kenya, Uganda and neighbouring countries once completed.
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FELIX MAKONA
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