Published: March 19, 2026 | Courtesy: H.E. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya
NAIROBI – In a powerful statement ahead of the historic launch of the SGR Phase 2B & 2C, President William Samoei Ruto has reaffirmed the transformative vision behind the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) , describing it as the backbone of Kenya’s modern transport system and a catalyst for regional economic integration.
📜 From “Lunatic Express” to Modern Marvel
*”In 2014, we embarked on the bold task of replacing the 130-year old colonial railway line from Mombasa to Kisumu, infamously called the ‘Lunatic Express’, with a modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).”*
| Era | Railway | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s – 2010s | Colonial “Lunatic Express” | Slow, outdated, limited capacity |
| 2014 – Present | Modern SGR | High-speed, high-capacity, transformative |
🚆 The Journey So Far
“The first phase of the SGR, running from Mombasa to Naivasha, was initially dismissed by skeptics as a ‘railway to nowhere’. But today, it stands vindicated as a transformative backbone of our national transport system, driving efficiency in the movement of goods and passengers.”
| PhasE | Route | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Mombasa – Nairobi | ✅ Operational |
| Phase 2A | Nairobi – Naivasha | ✅ Operational |
| Phase 2B | Naivasha – Kisumu | 🚧 Launching Now |
| Phase 2C | Kisumu – Malaba | 🚧 Launching Now |
📊 SGR Phase 2B & 2C: By the Numbers
Naivasha – Kisumu Main Line
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 264 km |
| Branch Line | 8.69 km to the proposed new Kisumu Port |
Kisumu – Malaba Section
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 107 km |
| Connection | Seamlessly links Kenya to Uganda and the wider region |
Total Impact
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| New Railway | 371 km |
| Branch Line | 8.69 km (Kisumu Port) |
| Counties Connected | 9 counties |
🗺️ Counties Connected
The SGR extension traverses nine counties, opening up vast economic opportunities:
| Region | Counties |
|---|---|
| 🌄 Rift Valley | Narok, Bomet, Kericho |
| 🏞️ Nyanza | Nyamira, Kisumu, Siaya |
| 🌾 Western | Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia |
🌍 Strategic Importance
“This strategic corridor will significantly ease the movement of people, goods, and services. It will also catalyse regional economic growth, and firmly position Kenya as a leading transport and logistics hub in Eastern and Central Africa.”
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| 🚚 Trade Facilitation | Seamless movement of goods to Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, and beyond |
| 👥 Passenger Transport | Modern, efficient rail travel at 120 km/h |
| 🏭 Industrial Growth | Catalyze manufacturing and value addition along the corridor |
| 🌾 Agricultural Boost | Faster access to markets for farmers |
| 💼 Job Creation | Thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities |
| 🌍 Regional Hub | Kenya positioned as Eastern & Central Africa’s logistics leader |
🏛️ A Vision Realized
| Leader | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Kibaki | Visionary planning |
| Uhuru | Delivered Mombasa–Nairobi–Naivasha |
| Ruto | COMPLETING THE NORTHERN CORRIDOR to Kisumu and Malaba |
🚗 Ground Transport Connections
As the SGR extends to Kisumu, seamless connectivity between rail terminals, airports, and final destinations becomes vital. Afrivibe Rentals is your trusted partner for ground transport across Kisumu and Western Kenya.
We offer:
✈️ Airport transfers at Kisumu International Airport
🚕 Cab services to and from SGR terminals
🚗 Car hire with experienced chauffeurs
📍 Point-to-point travel for business and leisure
👥 Group transport for delegations and teams
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
🌐 www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
From “Lunatic Express” to modern marvel. We’ll connect you to the future.