(NAIROBI) – Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan have begun a joint feasibility study for the planned railway extension from Naivasha to Malaba, with the line expected to connect further to South Sudan’s capital, Juba. The nine week study aims to assess both the technical and financial aspects of extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to strengthen regional trade and transport integration.
Transport ministers from the three countries said the railway project is a vital link that will improve the movement of goods across East Africa, reduce transport costs, and boost cross-border trade. Once complete, the modern line will provide an efficient connection between Mombasa, Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, Malaba, and onward to Juba.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Davis Chirchir, said the government intends to make the project commercially viable while recognising the social and economic importance of such infrastructure. “Investment in transport infrastructure is about opening up the country. Even if the return is not immediate, it brings long-term growth to the wider economy,” he said.
At present, the Mombasa – Naivasha SGR handles only about 20 percent of all cargo transported in Kenya. The extension is expected to significantly increase the use of rail, easing pressure on roads and cutting maintenance costs.
Uganda’s Minister of State for Transport, Fred Byamukama, noted that East African countries spend large sums on road repairs because most heavy cargo moves by road.
“We want cargo to move by rail from Mombasa to Juba through Malaba and Gulu, reducing congestion and road damage,” he said.
He added that the extended railway would also facilitate trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the region’s fastest growing markets.
The project is also expected to create new investment opportunities in South Sudan by improving access to ports and markets. The planned extension will enable faster cargo movement between Juba and the port of Mombasa, reducing transit times and costs for goods.
Kenya has proposed a model that allows private firms to operate on the new railway by paying usage fees. This approach, officials believe, will attract private investment, improve efficiency, and ensure sustainability.
If completed, the SGR extension could transform regional logistics and position South Sudan as a key player in East Africa’s trade corridor.
| Project Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Naivasha – Kisumu – Malaba Railway Extension |
| Participating Countries | Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan |
| Study Duration | 9 weeks |
| Estimated Exchange Rate (Nov 2025) | $1 = SSP 7,100 |
| Objective | Improve cargo movement and reduce logistics costs |
| Future Connection | South Sudan (Juba) and the DRC |
