The construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2B and 2C, extending from Naivasha to Malaba via Kisumu, is set to commence in 2025 with an estimated cost of 648 billion shillings. 

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir, accompanied by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos, welcomed a delegation from China at the SGR Nairobi Terminus for a feasibility assessment ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony.

This 475-kilometer extension of the SGR is expected to take four years to complete following its commencement in 2025. 

During the visit, the Chinese delegation, led by Xi Li, Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, held a closed-door preliminary project assessment meeting with senior government officials in preparation for the significant infrastructure project.

Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary for Transport, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, 

"We are in top gear to ensure we extend the line to Kisumu and then Malaba, thereby allowing us to connect with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo." 

This multi-billion shilling SGR extension is among the key projects resulting from bilateral agreements between Kenya and China, which were established during President William Ruto's visit to the Asian nation in September.

Daghar also noted that the ministry is collaborating with the Chinese government on several other projects across various sectors, including roads, education, and agriculture. 

The SGR extension to Malaba is part of the East African Railway Master Plan, which aims to replace existing meter-gauge railways in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with further extensions planned for Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo