When the standard gauge railway (SGR) halted at Duka Moja in Narok, it sparked widespread criticism from politicians and media with headlines like ‘Railway to Nowhere’. This reaction reflected the strong public desire for the railway to continue, ideally reaching Kisumu or Malaba on the Kenya–Uganda border.
As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the original SGR protocol signed over a decade ago was intended to link Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), eventually connecting to the Lobito Corridor.
The SGR’s viability and economic impact were tied to this broader regional integration. However, due to regional geopolitical challenges, this vision remains largely unrealised.
Launched in 2013, the BRI is an ambitious initiative to enhance global trade and foster economic cooperation across Asia, Africa, and Europe. In the current context where global order is being reshaped by trade tensions such as the US-China tariff war projects like the SGR are more critical than ever.
They represent game-changing opportunities for countries like Kenya to strengthen regional trade and reduce dependence on volatile external markets.
In the face of growing disruptions in global supply chains, intra-African trade is becoming not just an alternative, but a necessity.
The continent continues to face an annual infrastructure deficit of nearly $100 billion, and strategic investments in projects like the SGR are crucial to closing this gap.
Initially, Kenya and China had concerns about the viability of the SGR without Uganda’s active participation, particularly the stretch from Kampala to Malaba. This uncertainty cast doubt over the project’s future.
Now, Uganda has started the construction of its part from Kampala to Malaba, meaning that when Kenya extends its line to the border, the region is likely to unlock the great economic potential of this railway notwithstanding the debate on electric and diesel-powered trains.
However, following renewed talks between President William Ruto and President Xi Jinping at the ninth Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, both sides agreed to discuss extending the railway. With discussions now nearing a conclusion, it is clear that the extension of the SGR to Malaba is not only feasible but long overdue.
The initial phase of the SGR, from Mombasa to Nairobi, has already proven transformative. It has reduced travel time, boosted trade, and unlocked new opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Extending this infrastructure to Malaba would magnify these benefits, solidifying Kenya’s role as a regional trade hub and linking it more effectively with East African neighbours.
Malaba is a vital gateway for East African trade, including with South Sudan and the DRC. The Nairobi-Malaba corridor depends heavily on an inefficient and congested road network. This results in logistical bottlenecks, increased transport costs, and delayed delivery of goods—problems that rail transport could solve efficiently.
The Nairobi–Mombasa segment has demonstrated the economic potential of modern rail infrastructure. It significantly reduced transport costs and improved logistics for key industries. Without an extension to Malaba, however, these gains remain geographically limited.
Businesses continue to rely on a strained road system, putting Kenyan exports at a competitive disadvantage due to high logistics costs and unpredictable delays.
The strategic importance of the SGR extension goes beyond Kenya’s borders. By connecting Kenya to neighbouring countries through an efficient railway, the project can accelerate intra-regional trade, improve market access, and enhance economic integration across East Africa.
For instance, South Sudan, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, would gain better access to the Mombasa port, supporting its development in sectors like construction, energy, and agriculture.
Extending the SGR to Malaba is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a strategic necessity. It has the potential to unlock regional economic potential, boost intra-African trade, reduce transport costs, and transform Kenya into a true gateway to East Africa.
Moreover, the SGR aligns with Kenya’s commitment to regional and global development initiatives, particularly the BRI and FOCAC.
Kenya’s collaboration with China through these frameworks has already delivered major infrastructure gains. Extending the SGR to Malaba would strengthen this partnership and reinforce Kenya’s position as a critical player in regional trade and connectivity.
It is worth noting that the success of this extension depends on transparent, strategic negotiations. Government officials must prioritise national interests and ensure a mutually beneficial agreement with China—one that delivers economic gains without compromising sovereignty or sustainability
With negotiations nearing completion, it’s time to turn ambition into action and make the full vision of the SGR a reality.
Onyango K'Onyango is a journalist and communication consultant
