Kisumu residents are celebrating a significant milestone following the announcement by Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon Kipchumba Murkomen regarding the long-anticipated extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to their city. 

Commencing this year, the project is poised to bring about transformative changes, providing enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities for the lakeside community.

Expressing gratitude for the announcement, Anyang' Nyon'o, Governor of Kisumu County, conveyed his appreciation, saying, "I would like to thank Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon Kipchumba Murkomen for announcing the long-awaited extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu beginning this year."

 Nyong'o highlighted the positive impact the SGR will have on both travel and business between Kisumu and Uganda.

The extension of the SGR is seen as a game-changer for Kisumu, promising improved transport infrastructure that will not only benefit daily commuters but also provide a significant boost to regional business activities.

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Nyong'o emphasized the potential revitalization of the Kisumu port, foreseeing it becoming a vibrant hub for commerce.

"Kisumu residents have awaited the arrival of the SGR to bridge the transport gap between the Lake Region and the rest of Kenya for a long time. We hope all will be done to expedite this project," Nyong'o, underscoring the importance of timely execution.

Once completed, the SGR is expected to stimulate economic growth in Western Kenya, unlocking the potential of the Western Tourism Circuit with its array of beautiful tourist destinations. In a promising revelation,

Murkomen declared that the government aims to accomplish 35 per cent of the project by December this year, showcasing a commitment to swift progress.

For years, the SGR's westward trajectory remained shrouded in uncertainty, its path from Mombasa to Kisumu impeded by budgetary constraints under the previous administration.

However, the government's announcement of renewed commitment has breathed life into the initial vision, unlocking the vast potential of the region.

Nyong'o, also serving as the Chairman of the Lake Region Economic bloc, expressed his appreciation for the government's renewed dedication to extending the SGR to Kisumu and eventually connecting it to Uganda.

Kisumu residents now eagerly anticipate the day when the SGR tracks reach their city, heralding a new era of connectivity and prosperity for the entire region.

The extension of the SGR is not just a transportation upgrade but a symbol of progress and development that will positively impact the lives of those in Western Kenya.