In a major boost to Kenya Kwanza’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), President William Ruto has successfully negotiated a new financing model with China to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Nakuru to Kisumu, a long-awaited milestone for the Lake Region and beyond.

The deal, secured during President Ruto’s recent four-day state visit to China, marks a significant step toward unlocking economic opportunities for millions of Kenyans, particularly in Western Kenya.

The new SGR Phase 2B line will eventually connect Kisumu to Malaba, linking Kenya’s rail network to Uganda and strengthening regional trade routes across East Africa.

Speaking on behalf of the people of Kisumu, leaders and residents have expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto for reviving the stalled railway project.

“This branch of Kenya Railways has been on the drawing board for a long time. Making it a reality at last is something we in the Lake Region need to applaud. Kudos, Mr. President,” Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said.

The extension is expected to inject fresh vitality into Kisumu’s economy, enhance the operations of the recently refurbished Kisumu Port, and boost trade, tourism, and passenger transport across the region.

Once completed, the project will not only spur economic growth but also advance Kenya’s vision for regional integration, a key pillar of BETA’s mission to build an inclusive, prosperous economy from the grassroots up.

The extension of the SGR will open up new markets, cut transportation costs, and create jobs across the logistics, tourism, and agricultural value chains, all critical sectors targeted under BETA to lift millions out of poverty.

By delivering on this transformative project, President Ruto has reinforced his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for equitable economic growth and regional prosperity.