Presidents of Kenya and Uganda launch next phase of cross-border railway

Kenya and Uganda have taken a major step toward regional integration with the launch of a new phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), aimed at strengthening connectivity across East Africa and linking the region to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The new phase of the project was launched on Saturday in Kibos, Kisumu, where Kenyan President William Ruto described the development as a significant milestone.

“Today, here at Kibos in Kisumu, we take yet another decisive and consequential step,” Ruto said. “We break ground on the 107-kilometre Kisumu–Malaba section of the SGR, completing nearly one thousand kilometres of seamless rail link from Mombasa to Malaba and forming a vital connection to the Malaba–Kampala line.”

The Chinese-funded extension is expected to reach the Kenya–Uganda border by June next year, marking a key phase in efforts to improve regional transport infrastructure.

Once completed, the railway is expected to ease pressure on roads, reduce accidents, lower transport costs, and significantly boost cross-border trade within the region.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the project’s long-term economic impact, particularly in shifting cargo transport away from roads.

“Our plan is to transfer all heavy cargo to the railway that is the meaning of this project: all heavy luggage to be moved from the road to the train,” Museveni said during the launch. “Then transfer all the petroleum products to the pipeline.”

The SGR currently runs between the Kenyan port city of Mombasa and the capital, Nairobi. However, delays in extending the line have contributed to rising debt concerns, with Kenya owing significant sums to China.

Beijing has reportedly declined to extend additional financing until the railway is completed to Uganda, underscoring the financial and strategic importance of the project’s next phase.

TNAM
Edited By Egwu Patience Nnennaya.