Major Cities and Towns Set to Benefit as Kenya Plans SGR and Highway Expansion

More cities and towns across Kenya are set to be connected to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) following a new deal signed between Kenya and China.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that the modern railway will now extend towards the Uganda border, opening up more regions to better transport and trade opportunities.

Speaking during a Sunday evening church service at Marani Catholic Church in Kisii, Kindiki explained that the SGR project will be expanded in two phases — Phase 2B and Phase 2C.

He revealed that under Phase 2B, the railway line will pass through Nakuru, Baringo, Eldoret, and Malaba. Phase 2C will, on the other hand, cover Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, and Malaba.

“The railway that the President secured funding for will be constructed in two main phases — 2B and 2C. In Phase 2B, it will run through Nakuru, Baringo, Eldoret, and Malaba, while Phase 2C will extend through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, and Malaba,” Kindiki told the congregation.

Broader Development Plans Beyond the SGR

Kindiki further stated that the government’s infrastructure development agenda includes not only the SGR extension but also the expansion of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway. He emphasized that both projects are crucial for unlocking the economic potential of the regions they pass through.

This announcement follows the signing of a significant agreement between Kenya and China. President William Ruto secured the deal during his recent four-day state visit to China, where he engaged extensively with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to Kindiki, the upgraded infrastructure will also help address the problem of road accidents in Kenya’s western regions.

He noted that poor road conditions and reckless driving have contributed heavily to road carnage, and the new developments aim to significantly improve road safety.

Kenya Strengthens Ties with China

Confirming the broader impact of the agreements, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said, “This cooperation cements Kenya’s role as a key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional logistics partner, while also enhancing East Africa’s transportation network and promoting intra-regional trade.”

Meanwhile, Kenya’s fresh agreement with China to dual the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway comes shortly after the government canceled a previous Ksh190 billion (€1.3 billion) deal with a French company that was initially contracted to handle the project.

Why the French Deal Was Terminated

The termination of the French company’s contract followed concerns raised by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

After a thorough review, KeNHA issued a termination notice, citing fears that the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement would have led to the government incurring significantly higher costs for the highway construction.

Following the cancellation, Kenya swiftly moved to secure a more favorable partnership with China, ensuring that both the railway and highway projects move forward without placing unnecessary financial strain on the country.

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