Government selects southern route for SGR extension to Kisumu following technical review

The government has settled on the southern route for extending the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu. This decision came after a detailed technical review that examined multiple options. Alternative alignments, including a northern path via Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret-Malaba and a central corridor through Nairobi-Nakuru-Kisumu-Malaba, were set aside.

The southern corridor starts at the existing Nairobi-Naivasha SGR terminus and continues through Narok, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero before reaching Kisumu. It will later extend to Malaba at the Uganda border. The full line is expected to incorporate 25 stations, with six intermediate ones at locations including Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sondu, Ahero, and Kibos, plus smaller passing stations for operational needs.

The review highlighted lower construction costs along this path compared to the others. The southern route measures shorter in length than the northern and central alternatives. It also offers a more practical balance in terms of terrain challenges and potential for regional connectivity.

The project falls under Phase 2B of the SGR and will be managed by the Kenya Railways Corporation. Plans include an additional short spur to link the main line with the upgraded Kisumu Port on Lake Victoria. Kisumu will feature a main terminus, freight handling areas, and a logistics centre at Otonglo.