President Museveni described the railway as a critical step toward improving transport efficiency in the region. He noted that over-reliance on road transport, particularly in Uganda, has led to high costs and inefficiencies.
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday joined his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in Kisumu to officially launch the construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, a major infrastructure project expected to boost trade and regional integration.
The Ugandan leader arrived at Kisumu International Airport in the morning, where he was received by Musalia Mudavadi and other senior Kenyan government officials. He later held bilateral talks with President Ruto, focusing on trade cooperation, infrastructure development, and strengthening ties between Uganda and Kenya.
The two leaders then presided over the launch ceremony, symbolically tightening a bolt on the railway line to mark the start of construction.
Speaking at the event, President Museveni described the railway as a critical step toward improving transport efficiency in the region. He noted that over-reliance on road transport, particularly in Uganda, has led to high costs and inefficiencies.
“The railway is part of the rationalisation of our transport system,” Museveni said, explaining that Uganda plans to shift heavy cargo to rail, petroleum to pipelines and water transport, and reserve roads mainly for passengers and light goods.
He emphasized that reducing transport costs is essential for Africa to remain competitive globally, warning that high logistics, energy, and financing costs continue to undermine the continent’s productivity.
President Ruto, on his part, said the SGR extension would unlock economic potential not only for Kenya but for the wider East African region. He highlighted the importance of efficient transport corridors, noting that a large share of cargo passing through the Port of Mombasa is destined for Uganda and other landlocked countries.
Currently, cargo can take up to 80 hours to reach Malaba from Mombasa and more than 100 hours to reach Kampala, delays that leaders say weaken regional competitiveness.
The Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension is expected to significantly reduce transit time, lower freight costs, and improve connectivity along the Northern Corridor. It will also support key sectors such as agriculture and fisheries in the Lake Victoria basin.
The project forms part of a broader regional railway network linking Mombasa to Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, and Malaba, with future plans to extend to Kampala and beyond.
Leaders from both countries expressed optimism that the railway will strengthen economic cooperation and accelerate regional integration across East Africa.
The launch ceremony was also attended by senior Ugandan and Kenyan officials, including Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.
