Governor Nyong’o applauds President Ruto’s agreement on SGR extension
Nyong’o expressed his appreciation to President Ruto for successfully negotiating funding for the much-anticipated project with the Chinese government.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has praised President William Ruto for securing a major agreement with China that will see the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extended from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.
In a statement released on April 26, Nyong’o expressed his appreciation to President Ruto for successfully negotiating funding for the much-anticipated project with the Chinese government.
"On behalf of the people of Kisumu, I wholeheartedly thank President William Samoei Ruto for obtaining financing for the SGR extension from Nakuru through Kisumu, linking Kenya to Uganda at Malaba," Nyong’o said.
He pointed out that the plan to extend the railway has been under discussion for years, and its imminent implementation marks a significant milestone for the Lake Region.
"This is truly encouraging news. Congratulations, Mr. President," he added.
The governor highlighted that completing the new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension will play a major role in boosting Western Kenya’s economy and strengthening the operations at the revitalized Kisumu Port.
"This project will spur growth in tourism, trade, and passenger transport, and foster greater regional integration within East Africa. We are grateful to President Ruto for delivering this key development," said Nyong’o.
The SGR extension forms part of Kenya’s larger plan to upgrade transport infrastructure and enhance connectivity across the region.
Phase 2B of the SGR, covering the Naivasha to Kisumu stretch, will span 262.3 kilometers and include an additional 8.9-kilometer branch line connecting to the planned Kisumu Port.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed that the new railway will have 25 stations, with 15 scheduled for immediate opening and 10 set aside for future expansion.
The contract for building this section was signed in March 2016 between the Kenya Railways Corporation and China Communications Construction Company.
The contract covers civil engineering works along with the supply of 35 locomotives, 724 freight wagons, and 64 passenger coaches. It also includes the development of the new Kisumu Port, projected to cost Sh17.8 billion.
Meanwhile, the Kisumu-Malaba corridor, identified as Phase 2C of the SGR, will stretch over 107.27 kilometers.
Its construction contract, signed in March 2016, was valued at Sh1.5 billion, with the project's completion expected within a period of 36 to 54 months.