Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to fast-tracking the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) along the Northern Corridor, a key infrastructure project designed to enhance regional trade and reduce transport costs across East Africa.
Speaking in Nairobi after hosting counterparts from Uganda and South Sudan, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, said the trilateral talks focused on synchronising the development of the SGR network to ensure seamless connectivity from the Port of Mombasa through Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan, extending to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“As a region, we are working closely to ensure that the SGR infrastructure is developed in sync. A network that is not built concurrently will not deliver optimal results,” said Chirchir. “Kenya has already completed the SGR from Mombasa to Nairobi and Naivasha, and we are finalising the 62 kilometres to Kisumu and an additional 107 kilometres to Malaba.”
The CS revealed that Kenya plans to break ground on the remaining sections “in the shortest possible time” as financing discussions with development partners progress. He noted that Kenya will leverage its 2% Railway Development Levy, which raises about KSh 40 billion annually, to support the project.
“This is not cheap infrastructure, but we are fortunate to have a steady funding stream from the development levy as we seek complementary financing to accelerate completion,” Chirchir said.
He added that the government aims to complete the line within three years once full financing is secured.
On his part, Uganda’s State Minister for Transport Hon. Byamukama said that construction of the Standard Gauge Railway project from Kampala to Malabar is underway. It will join the section Mombasa to Malabar section at the border town. He said that the railway will significantly cut transport costs and decongest roads across the region. “Rail transport will move cargo faster and more cheaply, benefiting trade between our countries. It will open markets all the way to DRC,” said Byamukama
Chirchir also highlighted that rail freight volumes in Kenya have risen to about 640 million tonnes per month, up from 500 million tonnes, underscoring growing demand for rail transport.
He stressed that expanding the network will reduce road damage, lower accidents and improve the region’s carbon footprint.
He further noted that the upcoming Kenya Railways Bill, expected in 2026, will unbundle railway infrastructure from freight operations to allow private operators to run locomotives on the national rail network.
“The SGR is more than a transport project, it’s an economic lifeline for East Africa. By reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency, we will enhance the region’s competitiveness and attract global investment,” Chirchir added