The Naivasha–Kisumu section will extend Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway through Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu. Designed to carry at least 1,200 passengers, the line is expected to support the movement of passenger and freight traffic from road to rail while reducing transit times.
The project’s 40% local-content requirement is expected to create employment, trading and supply opportunities for communities and businesses along the construction corridor.
- Construction commenced in Narok on 1 July 2026 and in Kisumu on 2 July 2026.
- The Naivasha–Kisumu section is known as Standard Gauge Railway Phase 2B.
- Construction will proceed simultaneously from both ends of the route.
- The project was launched in Narok on 17 March 2026 and in Kisumu on 19 March 2026.
- The railway will pass through Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu.
- The line will have capacity to carry at least 1,200 passengers.
- At least 40% of the inputs used during construction must be sourced locally.
Construction has commenced on the Naivasha–Kisumu section of Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway, known as Phase 2B.
The contractor laid the first rails and sleepers in Narok County on 1 July 2026, with additional work undertaken on 2 July. Construction will proceed from both ends of the route to accelerate delivery.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga attended the commencement of works in Narok County. In Kisumu County, the event was attended by Kisumu County Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha and Kisumu County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo.
The start of construction follows the official launch of the project by President William Ruto in Narok County on 17 March 2026 and in Kisumu County on 19 March 2026. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni attended the Kisumu launch.
According to Kenya Railways, the government intends to complete the project as quickly as possible to enable the commencement of passenger and freight operations. Communities along the corridor are expected to benefit from employment, trade and contracting opportunities during construction.
At least 40% of the goods, services, and other inputs used during construction must be sourced locally. Businesses along the route are expected to participate in supplying the project under the local-content requirement.
The railway will traverse Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira and Kisumu counties. It is designed to carry at least 1,200 passengers and is expected to support the movement of passenger and freight traffic from road to rail while reducing transit times.
