Over 5,000 acres marked for SGR extension to Kisumu

CHRIS MAHANDARA-KNA

More than 5,000 acres of land across five counties have been earmarked for compulsory acquisition as the government moves to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu.

The National Land Commission (NLC) announced the plans during a highlevel stakeholder engagement meeting convened by Kenya Railways in Kisumu.

The meeting was attended by Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, MPs, MCAs, national government officials, and other key stakeholders.

NLC Director of Valuation and Taxation, Joel Ombati, said the Commission has received formal notice from the Ministry of Transport to acquire the land required for the 269-kilometre Phase II B stretch, which will traverse Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nyamira, and Kisumu counties.

“Kisumu has the highest number of Project Affected Persons (PAPs),” said Ombati. “All affected persons will be compensated in accordance with Kenyan law and prevailing market rates.”

He said a digital platform will be deployed to demarcate parcels and collect ownership data, targeting completion of compensation within eight months to ensure construction proceeds without delay.

Kenya Railways Managing Director (MD), Philip Mainga, speaking at the same meeting, said the project will be launched simultaneously in Narok and Kisumu, with completion scheduled for June 2027.

“We have instructions to start this project by March 28. We must launch on that date and we are working to ensure we meet the timelines,” he said, noting that groundwork in Narok near Narok Teachers College, was already at an advanced stage following consultations with the county government and local leadership.

Mainga stressed that the railway route has been fully designed and cannot be altered, explaining that even minor deviations could compromise safety and operational efficiency.

“The route has been identified, designed and approved. We cannot change even an inch of it. Railway engineering relies on strict gradient requirements to support passenger speeds of 120 km/h and cargo trains at 80 km/h,” he said.

To avoid delays that have dogged past projects, Mainga said compensation disputes will be resolved on the ground in collaboration with NLC, local leaders and administrators.