Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan Unite to Accelerate Regional Railway Project.
By Peace Muthoka.
Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan have reaffirmed their joint commitment to fast-track the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network linking Mombasa to Juba through Kampala, a transformative regional project expected to boost trade, connectivity, and economic growth along the Northern Corridor.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, said the three countries had held extensive consultations to harmonize their railway development plans and ensure synchronized progress across borders.
“We have been consulting and exchanging notes on the railway infrastructure that runs from the port of Mombasa through Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and ultimately to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Chirchir said. “Because this is a regional project, we must move together. A network that is not built in sync will not deliver its full potential.”
Kenya has already constructed the SGR line from Mombasa to Nairobi and Naivasha and is now focusing on extending it to Kisumu a 262-kilometre stretch and further to Malaba, covering another 107 kilometres. Chirchir noted that Kenya is engaging development partners to secure funding for the completion of these critical sections.
“From Kenya’s perspective, we are fortunate to have the 2% Railway Development Levy, which helps sustain investment even as we seek additional financing,” he said. “We plan to break ground soon and accelerate the completion of this vital infrastructure that will enhance our regional competitiveness.”
Chirchir revealed that Kenya recently recorded its highest monthly cargo volumes moved by rail 640 million tonnes, up from an average of 500 million tonnes — a clear sign of the growing shift toward rail transport. He emphasized that a modern railway network would ease pressure on roads, reduce accidents, cut transport costs, and lower carbon emissions.
“The railway is more efficient and environmentally friendly, as it hauls more cargo with a smaller carbon footprint,” he added. “This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about building a stronger, greener, and more connected region.”
Uganda’s State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama, praised the collaboration, describing the project as a “game changer” for the region’s economies.
“In East Africa, we spend huge sums repairing roads because most of our cargo moves by road,” Byamukama said. “Our goal is to ensure cargo flows seamlessly from Mombasa to Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC efficiently and affordably.”
He noted that rail transport would significantly cut logistics costs, shorten transit times, and make goods cheaper for consumers across the region.
“Once this project is fully realized, the economic landscape of Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan will change dramatically,” Byamukama said. “We’ve given ourselves nine weeks to assess progress, and we’re pleased that Kenya is extending the line to Malaba as Uganda builds from Kampala to meet them.”
The trilateral meeting marks a renewed regional drive to complete the SGR corridor a flagship infrastructure project expected to unlock East Africa’s trade potential, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and power the region’s march toward shared prosperity.
