Kenya to extend Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba in Busia

The Government of Kenya, through Kenya Railways, is set to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, a transformative project aimed at boosting regional trade, connectivity, and economic growth.

The project comprises two main sections which include Naivasha – Kisumu Section and starts from Emurtoto in Narok County and stretches approximately 264 km to Kisumu.

It also includes a branch line of 8.69 km connecting to the proposed new Kisumu Port.

It passes through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, and Kisumu Counties and features six intermediate passenger stations (Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero) and 17 crossing stations.

It also includes a major freight station in Kisumu and integration with Kisumu Port.

There is Kisumu – Malaba Section and extends 107 km from Kisumu to Malaba, passing through Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia Counties.

It further includes two intermediate passenger stations (Yala and Mumias), six crossing stations, and a major freight station in Malaba.

The project includes 13 tunnels, 23 bridges, and 376 culverts, and is being implemented in collaboration with the National Land Commission to ensure fair land acquisition and compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

The freight trains will be 4,000 tonnes (216 TEUs) capacity, 80 km/h speed, passenger trains will have 1,096 passengers, 120 km/h speed.

The designed freight capacity is 22 million tonnes per year and is environmentally compatible design.

The project will have reduced freight transport costs and faster movement of goods and passengers, enhanced trade competitiveness and stimulation of economic growth along the Northern Corridor and strengthened regional transportation networks, promoting integration with neighboring countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It will also support for blue economy activities and improved access to the Port of Mombasa.

President William Ruto was to officially launch the project at Mutonyi Area, Narok County, on March 19, 2026, and at Kibos Centre, Kisumu County, on March 21, 2026.

This ambitious SGR extension is poised to transform Kenya’s transport and trade landscape, opening new opportunities for commerce and regional integration across East and Central Africa.