The Kenyan government has announced that it will officially launch the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu in March 2026, with construction projected to finish by June 2027. Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga provided these details following a meeting with the National Land Commission and local leaders from Kisumu, where discussions centered on land acquisition, compensation, and overall readiness for the project. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled between March 18 and 20, indicating a solid commitment towards advancing this significant infrastructure project.

The fully government-funded initiative aims to establish a critical rail link that will enhance cargo transportation in the region. This extension will connect Kisumu directly to the existing SGR network at Naivasha, which is a pivotal juncture for trade movement within East Africa. Preliminary work has already commenced at the main Kisumu station site in Kibos, as preparations are underway for the impending groundbreaking. This project represents a major improvement in regional transportation infrastructure that has been anticipated for years.

The implications of this railway extension are substantial, particularly in terms of economic growth and trade facilitation. By easing cargo movement and significantly reducing transport costs, the SGR extension is expected to boost trade not only within Kenya but also with neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This connectivity could lead to increased commercial opportunities and a stronger economic position for Kisumu and the wider region, emphasizing the importance of railway infrastructure development for sustainable growth in East Africa.