Published: February 24, 2026 | Courtesy: County Government of Kisumu & Kenya Railways
KISUMU, KENYA — A new chapter in Kenya’s railway modernization is about to unfold as construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B and 2C—connecting Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba—is scheduled to begin in March 2026. This long-awaited extension promises to transform connectivity, trade, and economic opportunities across the Western Kenya region.
🛤️ Project Scope: What’s Coming to Kisumu
The 269-kilometre extension from Suswa/Naivasha to Kisumu will bring the SGR network to the lakeside city, with approximately 83 kilometres of the track lying within Kisumu County.
Kisumu County Route:
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Point | Sondu |
| Through | Ahero |
| To | Kisumu Town |
| Continuing Toward | Malaba via Kisumu West Sub-County |
This alignment ensures that key economic zones within Kisumu County are connected to the national railway network, opening up new possibilities for trade, industry, and passenger transport.
🤝 Stakeholder Consultations Underway
In preparation for the project’s commencement, a high-level consultative meeting was held bringing together key stakeholders from the national and county governments, along with representatives from communities that will be affected by the railway construction.
Meeting Attendees:
| Organization | Representatives |
|---|---|
| Kenya Railways | Managing Director Phillip Maingi and senior officials |
| National Land Commission | Senior officials |
| National Government | Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa |
| County Government | Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly from affected areas in Kisumu County |
📋 Key Discussion Points
The consultative forum addressed critical issues that will shape the project’s implementation and impact:
| Agenda Item | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 💰 Compensation | Fair and timely compensation for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) |
| 👷 Youth Participation | Employment opportunities for local youth during construction |
| 🏢 Local Enterprise Inclusion | Involvement of local businesses in procurement and supply chains |
| 🌱 Environmental Management | Responsible environmental practices throughout construction |
| 🤝 Community Engagement | Transparent and meaningful engagement with affected communities |
| 🏙️ Urban Planning | Alignment of railway corridor with sustainable urban and industrial development |
🎯 County Government’s Priorities
The County Government of Kisumu has articulated clear priorities for the project, ensuring that local communities benefit meaningfully from this transformative infrastructure:
✅ Meaningful local participation in the construction process
✅ Job creation for youth and skilled professionals from Kisumu
✅ Inclusion of local enterprises in procurement and supply chains
✅ Responsible environmental management throughout the project lifecycle
✅ Fair and transparent engagement with Project Affected Persons
✅ Alignment of railway corridor with sustainable urban and industrial planning
📢 Resolutions Reached
The consultative meeting concluded with a commitment to grassroots engagement:
“We resolved that all relevant agencies will conduct grassroots consultations in local villages as implementation begins, ensuring communities are directly engaged in this transformative project.”
This resolution ensures that residents in villages along the railway corridor—from Sondu through Ahero to Kisumu Town and Kisumu West—will have direct channels to engage with project implementers, raise concerns, and access information about compensation, employment, and other opportunities.
🌍 Why This Project Matters
The SGR extension to Kisumu represents more than just a railway line—it is a catalyst for regional transformation:
| Impact Area | Expected Benefits |
|---|---|
| 🚚 Trade | Faster, cheaper movement of goods between Kisumu and Nairobi |
| 👥 Passenger Travel | Comfortable, efficient rail travel to and from Western Kenya |
| 🏭 Industry | New opportunities for manufacturing and value addition |
| 🌾 Agriculture | Improved access to markets for farmers in the region |
| 🌍 Regional Integration | Enhanced connectivity with Uganda and beyond via Malaba |
| 💼 Employment | Thousands of jobs during construction and operation |
🚗 Your Transport Partner During Transformation
As Kisumu undergoes this historic infrastructure development, Afrivibe Rentals remains your trusted mobility partner, ensuring seamless travel across the city and region.
We offer:
🚕 Cab services across Kisumu City and Western Kenya
✈️ Airport transfers at Kisumu International Airport
🚗 Car hire with experienced chauffeurs
📍 Point-to-point travel for business and leisure
🏗️ Project-related transport for stakeholders and workers
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
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Building a connected future—one journey at a time.