Kenya Seeks China’s Support to Extend Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba

Kenya is seeking a joint partnership with the Chinese government to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mai Mahiu to the border town of Malaba.

Roads, Transport, and Public Works Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said on Thursday that the proposed five-year plan will see the rail track pass through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, and finally Malaba.

“The SGR can first be extended to Naivasha in the next couple of years where passengers can connect to other towns or even use the meter gauge railway line,” said Murkomen.

“In the long run, we would like to complete the connection of the SGR from Suswa to Kisumu through Bomet, Nyamira, parts of Kisii and later to Malaba. Later, we can think of upgrading the existing MGR via Nakuru to Kisumu and via Eldoret to Malaba,” he added.

Speaking at the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Naivasha where he launched rail-mounted Gantry Cranes for the transfer of cargo from SGR to Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), the cabinet secretary also announced the government’s plan to upgrade railways across the country, saying they have proven to be more affordable and secure means of transport.

Murkomen further said the government is eager to develop the Naivasha Inland Container Depot to handle goods bound for various destinations in the nation and the region.

“We are also keen to utilize rail transport which is fast, safe, and cheaper to enhance transportation of goods and people. We will also be working to restore passenger trains along the old MGR routes,” he added.

Murkomen also said the government is seeking investors to build and operate a new railway line connecting Lamu with Moyale via Garissa and South Sudan via Turkana.

“These plans will make Kenya a very competitive country and enhance ease of doing business,” he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian, who accompanied Murkomen, reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Kenya's transport sector.

“Kenya is our great friend and we are ready to partner with it in the other transport infrastructure projects including the SGR and roads,” he said.