Kenya is preparing to start construction on the Naivasha–Malaba section of its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) by December 2025, a major step toward completing the country’s modern rail network from Mombasa to the Ugandan border.
This extension, covering 475 kilometers through Kisumu to Malaba, follows the earlier 553-kilometer line connecting Mombasa to Naivasha. According to Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, groundwork such as route identification, compensation planning, and environmental assessments is nearly complete. The final decision from financiers, largely anticipated to come from China, is expected by the end of the year.
Strategic regional objective
The project represents the next phase in Kenya’s broader infrastructure strategy aimed at improving trade efficiency and reducing transport costs across East Africa. Once completed, the railway will provide a seamless transport link from Kenya’s main port in Mombasa to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is expected to dramatically cut freight transit times from 36 hours to just eight, thereby boosting cross-border commerce and easing pressure on road networks.
China’s involvement in the SGR continues to demonstrate strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. The railway is a flagship initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative and showcases Chinese support in financing, technology, and construction expertise. Since its launch in 2017, the SGR has become an essential part of Kenya’s transportation system, contributing up to 3% of the national GDP through improvements in passenger travel and cargo handling.
In recent years, Kenya Railways has expanded services to include executive passenger coaches and tourism-linked routes such as Nairobi to Suswa, supporting visits to the Maasai Mara. New stations like the one in Voi have increased access to nearby parks, further promoting local tourism. On the freight side, the railway’s capacity has grown significantly, with a projected 30% increase in cargo movement this year alone. The introduction of refrigerated containers in early 2025 has opened new opportunities for exporting perishable goods, particularly to European and Asian markets.
Kenya Railways officials have emphasized that completing the Naivasha–Malaba section is not only a national priority but also a strategic regional objective. The full SGR line is envisioned to connect East African economies, reduce logistics costs, and attract more investment into the region. The Nairobi–Mombasa segment already transports thousands of passengers and containers daily, easing highway congestion and streamlining port operations. According to Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan, the SGR stands as a powerful example of successful cooperation between Kenya and China, transforming Kenya into a regional logistics hub.