Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phases 2B and 2C—stretching from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba—is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
The project aims to boost transport connectivity across the Lake Region and strengthen trade links along the Kenya–Uganda border corridor.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed the timeline after a consultative meeting with local leaders, Kenya Railways Corporation, the National Land Commission, and national government officials.
Construction of SGR Phase 2B & 2C from Naivasha via Kisumu to Malaba begins in March. In a consultative meeting with our Kisumu leaders, Kenya Railways, NLC & national officials, we prioritized compensation for affected persons, youth jobs & local enterprise inclusion. #TichTire pic.twitter.com/y1lzsDOAQ9
— Gov. Anyang’ Nyong’o (@AnyangNyongo) February 24, 2026
Land Acquisition and Compensation
Discussions focused on fair and timely compensation for residents whose land and property will be affected. Nyong’o assured communities that land acquisition would be handled transparently to avoid disputes and delays.
Kenya Railways officials outlined how parcels will be identified, surveyed, and valued before compensation is processed. The government has already initiated land acquisition processes, using satellite‑based Global Navigation Satellite System equipment to enhance accuracy.
Economic Opportunities for Local Communities
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities for local youth during construction and ensuring local enterprises benefit through supply chains, subcontracting, and related business opportunities.
Nyong’o noted that the engagement aims to ensure the railway delivers economic benefits while addressing concerns linked to land acquisition and livelihoods.
Scope of Phase 2B and 2C
The Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba extension will link the existing SGR line from Mombasa and Nairobi to western Kenya and onward to Uganda.
- Phase 2B: Naivasha to Kisumu, traversing Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira, and Kisumu counties.
- Phase 2C: Kisumu to Malaba, strengthening regional trade and reducing transport costs.
The 264‑kilometre line will feature:
- 79 bridges (43 km combined length)
- 8 tunnels (14.26 km total)
- 376 culverts (7 km combined)
- 26 stations (1 major, 6 intermediate, 18 crossing stations, plus 1 freight port facility)
- An 8.68‑km branch line linking to Kisumu Port, with one bridge and eight culverts to support cargo movement between rail and lake transport.
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Regional Impact
The SGR extension is expected to:
- Improve freight and passenger mobility across western Kenya.
- Strengthen intermodal connectivity between rail and Lake Victoria transport.
- Stimulate economic growth in the Lake Basin corridor and neighbouring regions.
Governor Nyong’o underscored the project’s transformative potential: “This expansion will deliver economic benefits to communities along the corridor while ensuring fair compensation and opportunities for local participation.”
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