Uganda and Kenya are set to advance the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Naivasha to Kisumu and then extending to the Ugandan border. The Governor of Kisumu City, Prof Peter Anyang’Nyongo’o, expressed gratitude for the commitment to extend the SGR, citing the positive impact on business and travel between the two nations.
| Key Points | Construction Plans |
|---|---|
| Commencement Date | Kenya plans to start building the SGR line from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to the Ugandan border in the current year. |
| Bilateral Agreement | Uganda and Kenya agreed last year to simultaneously construct the SGR from Naivasha to Kampala City in Uganda. |
| Financing Agreement | Both countries have finalized the financing and development plans for the SGR project, with expectations to cover 35% by December. |
| Uganda’s Timeline | Uganda aims to initiate its construction phase in the next financial year, starting in July, with significant budget allocations for the project. |
| Current Activities | Uganda is currently compensating individuals affected by the project between the Malaba border and Jinja City. |
The SGR, considered a cost-effective means of transportation, will reduce pressure on the road system. Uganda secured funding from a commercial bank and contracted a Turkish company for the SGR construction, covering 273 kilometers from Malaba to Kampala. Simultaneously, the rehabilitation of the meter-gauge railway between Malaba and Kampala is underway, with plans for complementary functionality alongside the SGR.
While the meter-gauge railway will cater to heavy cargo, the SGR will handle well-packed containerized cargo. President Museveni envisions extending the SGR to Kasese in western Uganda, connecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and later South Sudan, thereby lowering regional transportation costs.
Earlier attempts at the SGR project faced challenges, with construction initially starting in 2014 under the Northern Corridor Integration Projects Initiative. However, the project faced obstacles, and the Kenyan authorities later halted the construction when it reached Naivasha. The renewed commitment signifies a collaborative effort to enhance regional connectivity.
