Big Win for Kenya: Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu Among Cities Set for New SGR Links After Ruto’s China Deal
Kenya’s transport and trade sectors are set for a massive transformation after President William Ruto secured a new railway and highway expansion deal with China — a move expected to connect more towns to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and open up untapped economic potential.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking at Marani Catholic Church in Kisii County on Sunday evening, confirmed that the SGR extension will roll out in two major phases.
- Phase 2B: The modern railway will cut through Nakuru, Baringo, Eldoret, and Malaba.
- Phase 2C: A second line will snake through Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisumu, and Malaba, giving more counties direct access to faster cargo and passenger trains.
“The President secured funds for this construction. SGR 2B and 2C will connect key cities and towns, creating jobs and boosting regional trade,” Kindiki said.
Photos of newly revamped cargo trains at Kenya Railways stations have already created a buzz among Kenyans excited about faster, safer transport options.
Highways to Match: Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba to be Expanded
But that’s not all — Kindiki revealed that Kenya and China also signed a deal to upgrade the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway into a dual carriageway.
This upgrade aims to ease traffic, slash travel times, and help curb deadly road accidents that have plagued western Kenya for years.
“Better roads mean fewer accidents, faster delivery of goods, and stronger economic ties across counties,” Kindiki emphasized.
The China-Kenya partnership marks a major milestone after Kenya recently canceled a Ksh190 billion contract with a French company for the same road project. The Chinese-backed project promises better terms and faster results.
Kenya’s Growing Regional Power
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the expansion of SGR and highways cements Kenya’s position as a key logistics hub for East Africa under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“This cooperation strengthens Kenya’s regional leadership and boosts intra-Africa trade,” Hussein said in a statement.
With Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and other key towns now in the SGR pipeline, Kenyans can expect a transport revolution that could change the face of local economies and turn the country into a true regional powerhouse.
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Big Win for Kenya: Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu Among Cities Set for New SGR Links After Ruto’s China Deal