Kenya Railways confirms Kericho SGR station site at Tiriitab-Moita

Kenya Railways has confirmed the Tiriitab-Moita area in Bureti Sub-County as the proposed site of the Standard Gauge Railway station in Kericho County. The confirmation comes amid earlier opposition from some residents.

The area was confirmed on Wednesday, August 19, when Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga met residents. Engagements with the county government continued over implementation of the project.

During the meeting, residents of Bureti shared their views on the expected impact of the project on the community. Issues discussed included access to the proposed station, local employment opportunities, land acquisition and compensation, and the need for continued communication as construction progresses.

Kericho County Governor Dr Erick Kipkoech Mutai and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga led the community engagement at Tiriitab-Moita. They interacted with residents on the progress of the project and its expected impact.

The development follows concerns and protests over claims that the planned location of the Kericho SGR station had been changed. Residents had sought clarity on the railway’s alignment and proposed station.

On July 11, 2026, Kericho residents staged demonstrations over the alleged alteration of the SGR route. They claimed the changes would deny the county a proposed railway terminal and the economic benefits expected from the project.

The protesters alleged that the route surveyed in 2022 had been changed without public participation. They said the revised alignment would bypass the proposed Chebilat terminal, a facility they believed would have transformed the local economy.

The latest confirmation now settles Bureti constituency as the site of the station in Kericho County. It ends speculation on where the station will be constructed.

Phase 2B of the project, whose construction has commenced, will pass through five counties: Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho and Kisumu. In Kericho alone, the SGR will cover over 49 kilometres.

The Ksh700 billion project construction commenced in July 2026. The SGR is expected to reach Kisumu in July 2027.

In Kericho County, the project is currently at various preparatory stages. These include route alignment design, land acquisition, environmental and social assessments, and pegging of the railway corridor and station areas.

Once completed, the railway is expected to handle up to 22 million tonnes of cargo annually. This will ease pressure on roads while improving efficiency in the movement of goods to and from the hinterland and the port of Mombasa.

Community engagement continues as preparatory works advance. Officials have emphasised the importance of addressing local concerns on employment, compensation and access as the project moves forward.