Residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties are poised to benefit significantly from the expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu, following its recent launch by President William Ruto.
Speaking during Alumni Day celebrations at Sameta High School in Sameta Sub-County, Kisii County, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the multi-billion-shilling infrastructure project is expected to transform the economic landscape of the region.
Isaboke noted that the SGR extension will particularly benefit the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the economies of Kisii and Nyamira. He explained that improved rail transport will enable farmers to move their produce to markets more efficiently, reducing post-harvest losses and transportation costs.
“The SGR will open up this region by providing a reliable and cost-effective means of transporting agricultural produce to major markets across the country,” said the PS. “This will directly translate into increased incomes for farmers and improved livelihoods for residents.”
Beyond agriculture, the project is also expected to boost passenger transport, especially for business travelers who frequently move between western Kenya and other regions. The enhanced connectivity is likely to spur trade, tourism, and investment, further stimulating economic growth.
The Naivasha–Kisumu SGR line will feature a passenger terminus and major freight stations in Kisumu and Malaba towns, positioning the region as a key transport and logistics hub. Additionally, several crossing stations are planned along the route, including Ikonge Centre in North Mugirango Constituency, Ngorengore, Mulot North, Bomet West, Sotik North, Asawo, Kapsarok, Ahero South, and East Kolwa, among others.
These stations are expected to improve accessibility for local communities and support the movement of goods and people within the region.
At the same time, Isaboke defended the government’s infrastructure agenda against critics, emphasizing that projects like the SGR are critical to Kenya’s long-term economic transformation. He said the railway will play a central role in increasing freight capacity and strengthening passenger transportation networks across the country.
“We must look at these projects as long-term investments that will benefit future generations. The SGR is not just about transport—it is about unlocking economic potential and connecting regions to opportunities,” he said.
The PS also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts under the digital superhighway and creative economy pillar, noting that plans are underway to extend fiber optic cable coverage to over 100,000 kilometers nationwide. This initiative aims to improve internet access, enhance digital inclusion, and support innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
On the ongoing heavy rains affecting various parts of Kenya, Isaboke urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid disasters. He warned against crossing flooded rivers and roads, and called on communities to stay informed and heed safety advisories issued by authorities.
His remarks come amid warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department, which has forecast heavy rainfall across several regions of the country over the weekend. The department cautioned that the rains could lead to flash floods, landslides, and other weather-related hazards.
The SGR extension is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance infrastructure development and regional integration. By linking Naivasha to Kisumu and eventually to Malaba at the Kenya–Uganda border, the railway is expected to strengthen trade within the East African region and reduce the cost of doing business.
As construction plans progress, residents and stakeholders in Kisii and Nyamira remain optimistic that the project will usher in a new era of economic growth, improved connectivity, and expanded opportunities.
