By Joshua Otieno | March 18, 2026
William Ruto has held talks with Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Communications Construction Company, at State House Nairobi ahead of the planned launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension.
The upcoming project will extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Narok to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
“The SGR extension will position Kenya as the regional trade and logistics hub, linking neighbouring countries and unlocking the economic potential of Western Kenya,” President Ruto stated.
The expanded railway network is expected to connect key regional markets including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the Port of Mombasa.
According to the President, the project will also help ease road congestion by shifting bulk cargo transport from highways to rail, thereby reducing costs, saving time, and improving safety.
Also present at the meeting were Chen Zhong, Vice-President of China Communications Construction Company, and Du Fei, Chairman of China Road and Bridge Corporation.
The SGR extension is seen as a key infrastructure investment that could significantly boost trade and economic integration across East and Central Africa.
