By Andrew Kariuki
President William Ruto has approved the construction of additional railway stations along the Naivasha–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, in a move aimed at addressing concerns over regional balance in the project.
Speaking during Labour Day celebrations at Chavakali Boys High School in Vihiga County, the President confirmed that Luanda town will host a modern railway station.
“Your request that we have a modern transport station in Vihiga is already in the construction stage, and we have the plan for it. We are going to commit Ksh 250 million to do a modern railway station in Luanda,” he said.
The government will allocate Ksh250 million towards the construction of the Luanda station, which will be implemented alongside ongoing railway works.
The announcement follows sustained calls from leaders in the Western region, including Wilberforce Otichillo, who have raised concerns over the distribution of infrastructure benefits along the SGR route.
In response, the President also confirmed that a similar railway station will be constructed in Nyamira County to enhance inclusivity in the rollout of the project.
The Naivasha–Malaba SGR extension is being implemented in phases, with the Naivasha–Kisumu section covering approximately 262 kilometres and the Kisumu–Malaba stretch extending about 107 kilometres.
Once complete, the railway will pass through nine counties and is expected to significantly improve connectivity across the Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western regions by June 2027.
The project will include multiple intermediate stations, bridges, tunnels and crossing points designed to support both passenger and freight services.
Passenger trains are expected to carry over 1,000 people at speeds of up to 120 km/h, while freight services will handle up to 4,000 tonnes, boosting trade and logistics.
Meanwhile, President Ruto noted that construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway is progressing, with plans to announce tenders for its extension to Malaba before the end of the year.
