By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 3 July 2026 - The commencement of the Standard Gauge Railway extension from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba represents one of the most consequential infrastructure investments in western Kenya since devolution.
Beyond the tracks lies a broader ambition: to reposition Kisumu as the commercial and logistics gateway to the Great Lakes region while unlocking fresh opportunities in manufacturing, trade and the blue economy.
Construction officially began this week, with Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga describing the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen transport connectivity across western Kenya and East Africa.
He said the railway would improve the movement of freight and passengers, lower transport costs and stimulate industrial growth along the economic corridor stretching from Naivasha to Kisumu and onwards to Malaba.
Mainga said the government expects the project to become a catalyst for regional commerce by integrating rail, road and lake transport.
He noted that the Kisumu SGR station at Kibos will be transformed into a 100-acre multimodal transport hub, reinforcing the city's role as a gateway for trade with Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
He also said the construction phase would prioritise local employment and procurement, with residents expected to benefit first from job opportunities while local businesses supply construction materials and services.
According to Mainga, the investment is intended to inject income into households, stimulate enterprise and create a lasting economic multiplier effect across Kisumu and neighbouring counties.
Appealing for public cooperation, Mainga urged communities to protect contractors and project infrastructure while warning against land fraudsters seeking to exploit the railway development through fraudulent compensation claims and illegal land transactions.
He advised landowners and investors to conduct all transactions through the relevant government agencies.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o welcomed the railway extension, describing it as a defining investment that could restore the city's historic position as a transport and commercial hub for East Africa.
He said the project complements the county government's long-term strategy of transforming Kisumu into a centre for logistics, manufacturing and regional trade.
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Nyong'o said the railway would also unlock the enormous economic potential of Lake Victoria by strengthening the blue economy through improved integration between rail transport, the lake port and fisheries, while creating new opportunities in shipping, fish processing, tourism and value addition.
He argued that efficient transport infrastructure is essential if Kisumu is to maximise its strategic location and attract new private investment.
The governor said improved connectivity would enhance cross-border trade with neighbouring countries while supporting farmers, manufacturers and traders by reducing logistics costs and expanding market access.
He added that the project aligns with the county's broader vision of positioning Kisumu as the economic capital of western Kenya.
The railway extension forms part of President William Ruto's wider infrastructure strategy aimed at strengthening Kenya's position as the region's principal transport corridor.
If completed on schedule and supported by complementary investments in ports, industrial parks and logistics facilities, the project could reshape supply chains across East Africa and reinforce Kisumu's role as a regional growth pole.
The economic case is compelling. Faster cargo movement could improve the competitiveness of businesses, reduce transport costs and attract new investment into western Kenya.
Yet experience from previous mega-projects suggests that infrastructure alone does not guarantee prosperity.
The railway's long-term success will ultimately depend on sustained cargo volumes, efficient operations and the ability of both national and county governments to convert improved connectivity into lasting industrial growth and employment.
For Kisumu, the railway represents more than steel and concrete. It is a test of whether strategic public investment can revive the lakeside city's historical role as the commercial bridge between Kenya and the wider East African hinterland.