The much-anticipated expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu has taken a crucial step forward, with Kenya Railways Corporation commissioning an environmental and social impact study to assess potential effects and develop mitigation measures.

A technical team has been tasked with evaluating how the project could impact local communities and ecosystems while engaging with Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) to ensure responsible implementation.

Kenya Railways Engineer Tobias Otieno, speaking after meeting Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, confirmed that a team conducting the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) study has already marked the 262-kilometre alignment route for Phase 2B of the SGR.

He noted that preparations for the railway extension were progressing swiftly, positioning Kisumu as a major transport and economic hub.

"This project also aims to enhance regional connectivity from Naivasha to Malaba and Kampala, with further links to South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)," Otieno said.

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Governor Nyong'o welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to revolutionise transportation and unlock new economic opportunities for Kisumu and the larger western Kenya region.

He highlighted that the project also includes the construction of a new lake port in Kisumu, which will be linked to the SGR.

"The SGR is a transformative project for Kisumu and the entire western Kenya region. This extension will bring much-needed development and provide a reliable transport link to the rest of the country," Nyong'o said.

Beyond improving transport efficiency, the study aims to ensure that the railway extension aligns with environmental and social sustainability standards. .

Findings from the assessment will shape the project's implementation to safeguard local livelihoods and natural habitats.

Once completed, the extended SGR is expected to enhance freight and passenger transport, facilitate regional trade, and bolster key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing—reinforcing Kenya’s long-term economic ambitions.