Ruto OKs Ksh 250m Railway Station for Luanda

President William Ruto has sanctioned the construction of extra railway stations along the Naivasha-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension in response to regional disparities in the project. Addressing Labour Day festivities at Chavakali Boys’ High School in Vihiga on May 1, the Head of State revealed that Luanda town in Vihiga County will accommodate a contemporary railway station. The President disclosed that the administration will allocate Ksh250 million for the Luanda station’s construction, which will proceed concurrently with the current railway developments. “Your demand for a modern transport facility in Vihiga is already in progress with plans in place. We will dedicate Ksh 250 million to establish a modern railway station in Luanda,” stated Ruto. This declaration comes after continuous pressure from Western region leaders who have expressed concerns that the existing SGR route unfairly favors Nyanza region counties. Vihiga Governor Wilberforce Otichillo had previously requested the inclusion of significant economic hubs within his county, mirroring the views of other regional leaders. In reply, the President also affirmed this as part of measures to guarantee inclusivity in the infrastructure expansion. Ruto highlighted that the enhanced railway network is crucial for stimulating economic growth by connecting Mombasa port to Malaba and extending into the interior regions. The Naivasha-Malaba SGR extension is being executed in stages, with the Naivasha-Kisumu segment spanning approximately 262 kilometers and the Kisumu-Malaba section extending about 107 kilometers. Upon completion, the railway will pass through nine counties and is projected to substantially enhance connectivity across the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western Kenya regions by June 2027. The project incorporates essential infrastructure including bridges and culverts intended to accommodate both passenger and freight services. Passenger trains on this route will be capable of transporting more than 1,000 passengers at velocities reaching 120 km/h, while freight operations will manage loads of up to 4,000 tonnes, boosting trade and logistics. Additionally, the President mentioned that the Rironi-Mau Summit highway construction is advancing satisfactorily, with intentions to announce tenders for its extension to Malaba by year-end.