Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba.
In an interview with a local television station on March 23, 2026, Maina scrutinized the economic viability of the SGR project and cautioned against the potential debt burden it may impose on Kenyan taxpayers.
She highlighted that large-scale infrastructure initiatives have historically been susceptible to corruption and inefficiencies. “Regrettably, many of these projects serve as conduits for corruption. My primary concern is that the Kenyan taxpayer will shoulder the debt associated with this endeavor. We’ve heard discussions about the volume of our exports; will it truly be competitive when we compare road transport to the SGR?” Maina remarked.
Maina emphasized that financing the railway extension could substantially elevate Kenya’s debt, ultimately placing the financial responsibility on taxpayers. She questioned whether the anticipated economic returns would warrant the considerable investment involved.
Additionally, the legislator expressed skepticism about the extended SGR’s ability to compete with road transport, which remains the predominant mode of cargo transport in the region. She raised doubts about whether the projected export volumes, as indicated by Ugandan authorities, would be adequate to support the railway’s sustainability and profitability.
“This issue genuinely concerns every Kenyan. Ultimately, the Kenyan taxpayer will bear the financial burden of this SGR line. Will it sufficiently address our needs, or will it become excessively inflated by the time construction concludes?” she stated.
The Naivasha–Malaba extension forms part of a broader regional infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing trade connectivity between Kenya and Uganda, with potential links to other East African nations. However, Maina warned that without meticulous planning and transparency, the project risks becoming financially unviable or underutilized.
Regarding the cost of the SGR extension, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir disclosed in December 2025 that the government plans to invest up to Ksh400 billion to extend the SGR to the Uganda border. During an interview with a local media outlet, Chirchir outlined that this ambitious project, which aims to connect Kenya’s existing SGR network to Uganda’s railway system, requires significant financial mobilization. “This is a substantial project, costing us up to Ksh400 billion, and it is essential for linking with Uganda, which is already advancing on their side,” Chirchir stated.
At that time, the Cabinet Secretary announced that the government was seeking parliamentary approval to amend sections of the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act to facilitate funding for the project.
