President William Ruto has unveiled plans to extend Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). William Ruto announced the planned extension of the SGR from Naivasha. The ambitious move aims to strengthen regional trade and economic integration across East Africa.
What is importance of SGR expansion Speaking at the opening ceremony of the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Ruto underscored the transformative potential of expanding the SGR. He highlighted that the infrastructure development will enhance cross-border transportation and connectivity, aligning with the goals of regional integration.
“We have now agreed with Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC that the Standard Gauge Railway will be extended from Naivasha to Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC so that in a few years time, they too can use the SGR when coming to Mombasa, and we can also use SGR when we want to go to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC,” Ruto said during the inter-parliamentary games.
Expansion of SGR to Kisumu In January 2024, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o welcomed the announcement that the extension of the SGR to Kisumu will begin this year, terming it good news as earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke.
Governor Nyong’o sees the extension of the SGR as a catalyst for economic growth in the region and anticipates a significant boost in lake transport. Then transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government is planning to complete 35% of the project by December 2024.
by Elijah Ntongai