President William Ruto on Wednesday met China Communications Construction Company Chairman Song Hailiang at State House Nairobi, ahead of today’s and Saturday’s launches of the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha-Narok to Kisumu and onwards to Malaba respectively.
The high-level meeting underscores the deepening infrastructure partnership between Nairobi and Beijing, as Kenya moves to complete the final phases of the ambitious railway project.
President Ruto described the SGR extension as a transformative endeavor that will redefine the country’s economic landscape.
“This project is not merely about laying tracks; it is about stitching together the fabric of East African commerce. Once complete, it will position Kenya as the undeniable gateway to the region,” the President stated.
China Communications Construction Company Chairman Song Hailiang with President WIlliam Ruto at State House, Nairobi on March 18, 2026./HANDOUTThe railway line will facilitate the seamless movement of goods from the Indian Ocean to the hinterland, drastically reducing the time and cost associated with cross-border trade. It will also ease road congestion by shifting bulk cargo to rail, cutting costs, saving time, and improving safety across our highways.
Currently, thousands of trucks traverse the Nairobi-Kisumu highway daily, contributing to heavy wear and tear on the roads, frequent accidents, and high transportation costs.
The shift to rail is expected to lower the cost of fuel and consumer goods in the region, and boost trade flows through Kenya’s border with Uganda.
Song Hailiang, whose firm China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) is the lead contractor, reaffirmed China’s commitment to delivering a high-quality railway that meets international standards.
The visiting bigwigs asserted that China is proud to be part of Kenya’s modernization journey. For Beijing, the railway will stand as a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the two nations.
China Communications Construction Company Vice-President Chen Zhong and China Road and Bridge Corporation Chairman Du Fei were also present. The two firms have been instrumental in executing Kenya’s flagship infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Notable signature projects in their name include the Nairobi Expressway, the Standard Gauge Railway from Mombasa to Naivasha ICD, and other highway upgrades.
The launches this week mark a significant milestone for the two side, even as Ruto side readies for the political windfall the legacy projects stand to bring. Today, President Ruto will preside over the inauguration of the Narok-Kisumu section, a stretch that cuts through the scenic Rift Valley and is expected to boost tourism and agricultural exports from the region.
On Saturday, he will flag off the final leg to Malaba, the border town with Uganda, effectively completing the connection to the broader East African Community.
Observers project that the full operationalisation of the SGR could increase the country’s GDP by as much as 1.5 percent annually through enhanced trade efficiency.
For the people of Western Kenya, the railway promises new jobs, faster movement of goods, and a direct economic lifeline to Mombasa and beyond.
