Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has praised President William Ruto for signing a new deal with the Chinese government to expand transport infrastructure in Kenya.
In a statement on Saturday, April 26, Nyong’o said the Kenya Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will now be extended to Kisumu, a project the region has been waiting for over a long period.
“During his recent four-day visit to China, President William Ruto signed a deal for a new funding model for Phase 2B of the Kenya Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line that will include the long-awaited extension to Kisumu. This is welcome news,” Nyong’o said.
On April 24, Ruto also signed an agreement with the Chinese government for the dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the agreement followed extensive discussions between President Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Ruto’s four-day state visit to China.
Hussein added that the government also secured China's support for extending the second phase of the SGR from Nairobi to Naivasha and from Naivasha to Malaba.
"This cooperation cements Kenya's role as a key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional logistics partner, while integrating East Africa's transportation network and enhancing intra-regional trade," Hussein Mohamed said.
Speaking on behalf of Kisumu residents, Nyong’o thanked President Ruto for securing the financing needed to extend the SGR from Nakuru through Kisumu and on to Malaba, linking Kenya with Uganda.
“This branch of Kenya Railways has been on the drawing board for a long time. Making it a reality at last is something we in the Lake Region need to applaud. Kudos, Mr. President,” Nyong’o added.
He said the new SGR extension would boost Western Kenya’s economy, strengthen Kisumu Port, and improve tourism, trade, passenger transport, and regional integration across East Africa.
The governor’s praise for the president came just days after Nyong’o had launched a scathing attack against Ruto. On April 22, Nyong’o accused the Head of State of "sabotaging devolution" in a strongly worded letter.
In the letter, Nyong’o referenced the ongoing dispute between county governments and the national government over the management of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), which President Ruto wants moved under national government control.
