Kenya Secures Land for Multi-Billion SGR Extension to Malaba

Kenya, April 6, 2026 - The government has reserved 889 acres for the highly anticipated extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba.

In a gazette notice, Abdillahi Alawy, the Chairperson of the National Land Commission, confirmed that the land earmarked for acquisition spans several counties, including Narok, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

 Those affected by the acquisition have been encouraged to inspect the plans for the project at the commission's headquarters in Nairobi or county Co-ordinators offices in Kisumu and Narok Counties.

“Notice is given that the National Land Commission intends to acquire land shown in the Schedule hereunder on behalf of Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) in accordance with section 110 of the Land Act for the construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR Phase 2B and C),” the notice read.

“Notice of the inquiries will be published in the Kenya Gazette in accordance with section 112 of the Land Act, 2012,” it added.

 The construction of the KSh700 billion ($5.4 billion) project was launched by President William Ruto on March 16.

 The construction of the railways will be overseen by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its subsidiary, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

 The project will be implemented in two phases. The first one will be the Naivasha–Kisumu section, which will stretch approximately 264 kilometres from Emurtoto in Narok County to Kisumu, with an additional 8.69-kilometre branch line to the proposed new Kisumu Port.

The second phase will be approximately 107 kilometres, traversing Kisumu, Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, and Busia counties before reaching Malaba.

At the Launch, the President said the project will be fundamental to enhancing connectivity in the region and exploring its untapped economic potential.

“This project is not merely about laying tracks; it is about stitching together the fabric of East African commerce. Once complete, it will position Kenya as the gateway to the region,” Ruto stated.

 In late March, NLC said that the over 4000 landowners that are set to be affected by the project will be compensated.

 In a separate notice, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has invited the public to give their feedback on the environmental impact assessment (EIA)  for the SGR Phase 2C extension from Kisumu to Malaba.