Kenya and Uganda Launch Landmark SGR Extension to Boost Regional Trade
KISUMU, Kenya – Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda jointly launched the construction of the Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Extension (Phase II) on March 21, 2026, marking a significant step towards enhanced regional connectivity and trade within East Africa. The project aims to streamline cargo transport, reduce costs, and bolster economic growth across the region.
Project Launch and Bilateral Discussions
President Museveni arrived at Kisumu International Airport, where he was received by Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, and James Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, and Petroleum. He inspected a guard of honour before engaging in bilateral talks with President Ruto, focusing on trade, regional integration, and infrastructure development. The two presidents symbolically tightened a bolt on the railway line to officially commence construction [UBC].
Addressing Regional Transport Challenges
President Museveni emphasized the importance of rationalizing the transport system in the region, particularly in Uganda, where over-reliance on road transport leads to increased costs and inefficiencies. He outlined a long-term plan to shift heavy cargo to the railway, petroleum products to pipelines, and water transport, reserving roads primarily for passengers and light cargo [UBC].
Economic Impact and Regional Integration
President Ruto lauded President Museveni’s commitment to regional integration and East African unity. The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba SGR is expected to unlock Kenya’s economic potential and benefit the entire East African region by improving connectivity to the Port of Mombasa and facilitating trade with landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo [The Star].
Cargo Volumes and Logistics Improvements
Highlighting the growing demand for efficient transport, President Ruto noted that cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa reached 7.37 million tonnes in the first six months of 2025, with nearly 70 percent destined for Uganda. Currently, cargo transport from Mombasa to Malaba takes up to 80 hours, and over 100 hours to Kampala. The SGR extension is anticipated to significantly reduce these transit times and lower freight costs [The Star].
Project Details and Regional Network
The Kisumu–Malaba SGR line is designed to serve as a gateway for the Western Corridor, the Lake Region, and the broader East African Community. It forms part of a wider regional rail network connecting Mombasa, Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, Malaba, and eventually Kampala [NTV].
Attendees at the Launch
The launch ceremony was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and the Minister of Works and Transport, and Gen. Katumba Wamala [UBC].