President Ruto and Museveni Meet in Kisumu to Advance SGR Rail Link to Uganda

The high-level meeting focused on extending the modern rail network from Kisumu to Malaba at the Kenya-Uganda border, a move expected to dramatically enhance cross-border trade, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen economic ties across East and Central Africa. The two leaders, who have long championed regional integration, presided over the groundbreaking event amid renewed commitment to complete the long-delayed link that promises to transform transportation corridors and open up new opportunities for landlocked neighbours.

In his address, President Ruto highlighted the historical role of railways in shaping East Africa’s economic landscape, drawing parallels with the original Kenya-Uganda railway built over 130 years ago. He recalled how that colonial-era line turned Mombasa into a major trade gateway, helped Nairobi emerge as a logistical powerhouse, and boosted towns like Eldoret and Jinja. Ruto referenced a 2008 pact between former President Mwai Kibaki and Museveni aimed at creating a seamless regional rail system, noting that the new 107-kilometre Kisumu-Malaba stretch would connect vital agricultural zones and serve as a gateway to Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and even Central African Republic. He stressed that persistent high logistics costs—such as cargo taking up to 100 hours to reach Kampala—continue to hamper competitiveness, and the upgraded Mombasa-Malaba corridor would stimulate industrial parks and special economic zones in areas like Busia and Kisumu.

President Museveni reportedly confirmed that Uganda has already contracted the Malaba-Kampala section, with further extensions planned toward Kasese, signalling strong bilateral momentum. Despite ongoing concerns over the project’s financing—including Kenya’s substantial annual debt servicing obligations tied to the existing SGR and past delays in funding from China—the government maintains that completing the line is essential for regional prosperity, job creation, and easing pressure on roads. The extension, estimated to cost over Ksh500 billion, is seen as a strategic investment that will position Kenya as Eastern and Central Africa’s premier transport and logistics hub. With earlier groundbreaking in Narok County this week, authorities are optimistic that the full vision of an integrated rail network will soon become reality, fostering inclusive growth and deeper cooperation between the two nations.