Kenya Railways Engages Narok County on SGR Phase 2B and 2C Extension Ahead of March 2026 Commencement
A delegation from Kenya Railways, led by Managing Director Philip Mainga, EBS, and members of the Board of Directors, together with officials from the National Land Commission, paid a courtesy call on Narok County Governor H.E. Patrick Ole Ntutu to discuss the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway Phase 2B and 2C project, scheduled to commence in March 2026.
The discussions centred on extending the SGR line from Narok to Kisumu and onward to Malaba. The 269-kilometre stretch to Kisumu forms part of the Government’s plan to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade and unlock economic potential along the western corridor. The line traverses Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu. The project will entail the construction of 115 railway bridges covering a total length of 43 kilometres, eight tunnels, 460 culverts, six intermediate stations and one terminal in Kisumu County. Another key feature is an Inland Container Depot in Kisumu. The Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway project is an extension of the Mombasa–Naivasha SGR line, which was completed in 2019.
Governor Ole Ntutu welcomed the project, noting that, aside from Suswa, where the SGR previously terminated, Narok County has not had a railway line since independence. He stated that the SGR is expected to open new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment within the county.
Public sensitisation forums will be conducted to inform residents about the project scope, timelines and anticipated benefits. The Governor also indicated that contractors have committed to completing 98 kilometres within Narok County by June, reflecting progress on preparatory works ahead of the March 2026 start date. He pledged full cooperation between the County Government and Kenya Railways to support implementation.
Following the meeting, the delegation, accompanied by Members of the County Assembly, visited the site where the project commissioning will take place.
The SGR Phase 2B and 2C extension is expected to improve freight and passenger mobility, strengthen regional trade links and support Kenya’s broader infrastructure development agenda.