By Infora Media
KISUMU, Kenya — Ugandan President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday joined William Ruto the President of Kenya to launch construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a project expected to lower transport costs and enhance regional trade.
The groundbreaking ceremony held in Kisumu marks a key milestone in extending Kenya’s modern rail network to Malaba, strengthening connectivity between Uganda and the Kenyan coast.
President Museveni said the railway will help rationalise transport systems in East Africa by shifting bulk cargo from road to rail, which is more efficient and cost-effective. He noted that heavy dependence on road transport has contributed to high logistics costs and rapid deterioration of infrastructure.
“Moving heavy cargo by rail will reduce transport expenses, protect roads and improve efficiency in cross-border trade,” Museveni said.
President Ruto said the Kisumu–Malaba section will strengthen the Northern Corridor by improving links between inland markets and the port of Mombasa. He added that the project will position Kisumu as a regional logistics hub supporting trade and industrial growth.
The leaders emphasised that strategic infrastructure investments are critical for lowering the cost of doing business and accelerating industrialisation across the region.
Analysts say the railway could boost regional economic integration by making bulk transport faster, cheaper and more reliable, while supporting agricultural exports and cross-border commerce in East Africa.