KISUMU, County — Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station in Kisumu officially got underway on Thursday, marking a significant step in the government’s plan to extend the modern railway network to western Kenya and unlock new economic opportunities for the region.
The commencement of works follows the launch of the SGR Phase 2B extension by President William Ruto in March and signals the start of physical construction of what is expected to become the main railway hub serving the Lake Region.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mabuzo, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga and other national and county government officials.
Speaking during the event, Mainga said the contractor had already mobilised machinery and personnel to the site, paving the way for immediate construction of the station.
“This is not another launch. The President officially launched the project on March 21, 2026. Today marks the commencement of construction, and the contractor is already on site with equipment and workers ready to begin,” he said.
Mainga said the project would create employment opportunities for residents living along the railway corridor, adding that priority would be given to local communities during recruitment.
“The contractor is ready to recruit from today, and the jobs will go to local people. We want communities along the railway line to benefit directly from this investment,” he said.
He noted that the project’s economic benefits would extend beyond direct employment by stimulating demand for construction materials, transport services, accommodation and food supplies, thereby creating business opportunities for local enterprises.
Mainga also urged landowners affected by the railway corridor to cooperate with the National Land Commission during land acquisition and compensation processes to ensure construction progresses without delays.
“We encourage all affected landowners to work closely with us so that compensation is concluded quickly and the project proceeds as planned. Land acquisition should not delay this important national investment,” he said.
Governor Nyong’o described the commencement of construction as a landmark moment for Kisumu, saying the railway station would anchor the development of a modern railway city while restoring the county’s historical position as a regional transport and commercial gateway.
He said improved rail connectivity would strengthen trade within the Lake Victoria region and with neighbouring countries, while attracting fresh investment and creating employment opportunities for thousands of residents.
“We are witnessing the beginning of a transformative project that will revive Kisumu’s historic role in regional transport. The railway city will generate jobs, expand markets for local businesses and stimulate economic growth across the region,” Nyong’o said.
He expressed optimism that visible progress on the project would be realised within the next year as construction gathers momentum.
County Commissioner Mabuzo reaffirmed the National Government’s commitment to delivering the railway project, saying the administration remained focused on implementing strategic infrastructure projects aimed at driving economic development.
The Kisumu station forms part of the SGR Phase 2B extension linking Narok to Kisumu. Kenya Railways says construction has already commenced in other sections of the corridor as contractors establish stations and supporting infrastructure.
Officials also warned members of the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters posing as government officials handling land compensation, urging affected residents to conduct all transactions through authorised officers from Kenya Railways and the National Land Commission.
