Kenya-Uganda SGR Extension to Kampala on Track for Early 2026
President William Ruto has outlined ambitious plans for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor that links Kenya and Uganda, signaling a major shift in East Africa’s transport and trade landscape. In a recent briefing, the president confirmed that the extension of the Naivasha–Nairobi–Mombasa SGR to Kampala is slated to begin early next year, with targeted construction milestones and a broader regional expansion in sight.
What the Naivasha–Kampala Extension Entails
The announced extension would bring high-capacity rail service closer to Uganda’s capital, enabling faster movement of people and goods between two of East Africa’s busiest markets. While Kenya laid the groundwork with the initial Naivasha–Mombasa corridor, the new phase envisions a seamless rail line continuing from Naivasha to Malaba–Malaba–Kampala, thereby shortening travel times and reducing logistics costs for importers and exporters alike.
Regional Connectivity and Economic Impacts
Ruto indicated that the Kampala extension is not an endpoint but a gateway for broader regional integration. He stated plans for the Ugandan segment of the corridor to extend further into Rwanda and toward the DR Congo border. If realized, these connections would create a more integrated rail network across the East African Community (EAC), potentially enhancing regional value chains, encouraging cross-border investments, and boosting tourism flows.
Funding, Timelines, and Strategic Objectives
Officials have described the project as a flagship example of regional collaboration backed by public-private partnerships, international lenders, and potentially concessional funding. The early-2026 start date is tied to procurement processes, feasibility studies, and the alignment of national development plans with continental infrastructure goals. The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and spur ancillary industries, from steel supply to railway maintenance services.
Environmental and Social Considerations
As with major rail projects, authorities emphasize environmental safeguards, community engagement, and land acquisition planning. Modern rail builds in the region typically incorporate measures to minimize disruption, protect sensitive ecosystems, and provide fair compensation to affected communities. The extension is also seen as a catalyst for urban development and improved freight logistics, potentially reducing road congestion and vehicle emissions in busy corridors.
What This Means for Traders and Travelers
For traders, the Naivasha–Kampala extension could streamline cross-border shipments, reduce transit times, and enhance predictability in logistics costs. Travelers may benefit from faster, safer passenger services and expanded connection options within the EAC. While challenges such as cross-border customs harmonization and timetable coordination will need ongoing attention, the project aligns with broader ambitions to boost intra-African trade and regional integration.
Looking Ahead
With early 2026 as a projected commencement, stakeholders across Kenya, Uganda, and neighboring states will be watching the planning and execution phases closely. If the Kampala extension proves successful, it could set a precedent for subsequent rail expansions toward Rwanda and the DR Congo border, continuing East Africa’s journey toward robust, cargo-friendly rail networks that complement road and air transport.
