Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has announced that construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Kisumu is scheduled to commence in March 2026.
In an update issued on Tuesday, February 24, the Kisumu Governor indicated that the long-anticipated project is transitioning into the implementation phase.
The development forms part of SGR Phases 2B and 2C, covering the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba corridor.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o Announces March 2026 Start for Naivasha–Kisumu SGR. Photo: Courtesy.
The 269-kilometre stretch from Suswa/Naivasha to Kisumu will incorporate approximately 83 kilometres within Kisumu County, passing through Sondu and Ahero into Kisumu Town before proceeding toward Malaba via Kisumu West Sub-County.
“Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B & 2C from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba is expected to begin in March. The 269-kilometre extension from Suswa/Naivasha to Kisumu will include approximately 83 kilometres within Kisumu County, running from Sondu through Ahero to Kisumu Town and continuing toward Malaba via Kisumu West Sub-County,” said Nyong’o.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o made the announcement after holding a consultative forum with Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly from the affected areas within Kisumu County.
The meeting was also attended by representatives from Kenya Railways, the National Land Commission, and officials from the national government.
According to the governor, the deliberations centred on compensation frameworks for persons likely to be displaced, local youth engagement during the construction phase, and the broader socio-economic impact of the project.
It was agreed that the relevant agencies would roll out grassroots consultations in villages as implementation begins.
Separately, Kenya Railways indicated that Phase 2B of the SGR will feature 79 railway bridges, eight tunnels, 376 culverts, and 26 stations in its initial rollout.
The plan also includes an 8.68-kilometre branch line connecting the main track to the proposed Kisumu Port.
On November 8, 2025, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir stated that the government intends to finance the SGR extension to Malaba through the Railway Development Levy (RDL).
He added that authorities are also considering alternative financing mechanisms, including issuing infrastructure bonds or securing credit from development finance institutions.
The planned 475-kilometre extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is projected to cost approximately Ksh645.8 billion (about $5 billion).
The Naivasha–Malaba corridor will traverse five counties: Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, and Busia.
