Kenya expands SGR linking Mombasa to Uganda border for growth

Kenya has taken a major step in regional infrastructure with the groundbreaking of the latest extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), advancing its vision for stronger East African connectivity and economic development.

Since its launch in 2014, the SGR has grown from the 472-kilometer Mombasa–Nairobi route to Suswa, adding 120 km and bringing rail services closer to Kenya’s interior. The current Phase 2B extension covers 264 km from Narok to Kisumu, including a branch line to Kisumu Port, linking Nairobi’s industrial corridor to agricultural regions.

On March 21, 2026, Kenyan President William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking for the 107-kilometer Kisumu–Malaba section (Phase 2C). This milestone completes a nearly 1,000-km continuous corridor from Mombasa to the Kenya–Uganda border, connecting seamlessly to the existing Malaba–Kampala line.

President Ruto highlighted the regional benefits, noting that the railway will serve Kenya, Uganda, and partner states including Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.

"It is a powerful statement of regional integration, partnership, and shared ambition," he said.

Transit from Mombasa to Malaba currently averages 80 hours, and transit to Kampala takes over 100 hours. By integrating transport infrastructure into industrial and commercial development, the SGR is set to reduce freight costs by at least 40%, shorten transit times by nearly 30%, and relieve road congestion.

The railway has already carried more than 15 million passengers and 45 million tons of freight over eight years. The extensions will further support farmers and producers by moving livestock, tea, dairy, grains, and fish more efficiently. They will also fuel growth along the corridor, creating jobs in construction, logistics, manufacturing, and services.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who attended the ceremony, emphasized shifting cargo from roads to rail to reduce accidents, cut transport costs, and enhance agricultural competitiveness.

"Strategic investments like these are essential for lowering the cost of doing business, supporting industrialization, and advancing the economic transformation of our region and Africa," President Museveni said.

President Ruto reflected on the project's legacy, envisioning a century-long impact on prosperity, regional ties, and shared opportunities.

"If the railway of the past century shaped our region, the railway we build today must define its future," he said.