Government of Kenya Prioritizes SGR Extension and JKIA Terminal Expansion for 2026

The Kenyan government has outlined a series of priority infrastructure developments for 2026, focusing on the expansion of the transport network and the enhancement of water and energy facilities. According to recent executive briefings, the construction of a modern terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is expected to begin this year to increase the facility's capacity and improve its standing as a regional aviation hub.

In the rail sector, work is scheduled to commence on the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway. This phase will link Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, extending the line toward the Ugandan border. The project is designed to integrate the western region into the national logistics corridor and reduce the cost of moving freight from the Port of Mombasa to inland markets.

Road construction remains a central component of the 2026 agenda. The government intends to dual the 170-kilometre Rironi-Mau Summit highway, with the project expected to reach completion by mid-2027. Work will also begin on the 58-kilometre section between Rironi and Naivasha via Maai Mahiu. These road projects aim to alleviate congestion on the Northern Corridor, which serves as a primary transit route for East African trade.

Beyond transport, the 40 billion shilling Galana-Kulalu dam project has been identified as a critical water infrastructure priority. The dam is intended to support the irrigation of 300,000 acres of land to improve national food security. Other scheduled works include the completion of the Talanta Sports City and the Bomas International Convention Centre. Urban transit improvements in Nairobi and Kisumu, including the development of bus rapid transit lanes and modernized junctions, are also featured in the 2026 work plan.