Kenya Railways Corporation has begun rolling out new passenger coaches as part of a wider infrastructure upgrade of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), in a move closely tied to the ongoing expansion of the line toward the Malaba border with Uganda.
The upgrades form part of Kenya’s broader transport infrastructure strategy aimed at improving regional trade efficiency, lowering logistics costs, and strengthening rail connectivity across East Africa.
The introduction of modern economy coaches is being implemented alongside the major SGR extension project, which is expected to reshape freight and passenger movement along one of the region’s most important trade corridors.
The expansion, which began in March 2026, will extend the railway from Naivasha through Kisumu and eventually to Malaba town, where it will connect directly with Uganda’s rail network under development from Kampala to the border.
Once completed, the corridor will create a continuous rail link between Kenya’s port logistics system and Uganda’s inland economy, significantly improving the movement of goods across key regional markets.
The project is expected to enhance trade flows between Kenya and Uganda while also boosting connectivity across the Great Rift Valley and Western Kenya regions, which are key agricultural and manufacturing zones.
Kenya Railways said the introduction of new coaches is part of phased infrastructure improvements designed to support increased passenger and cargo demand expected once the extended route becomes operational.
The SGR extension is being implemented in two main sections: the Naivasha–Kisumu line, covering approximately 264 kilometres, and the Kisumu–Malaba stretch of about 107 kilometres, bringing the total expansion to over 370 kilometres.
The government has positioned the project as a key regional trade enabler under the East African Community framework, with the rail link expected to reduce reliance on road transport and improve the efficiency of cross-border trade.
Once operational, the Malaba connection will integrate Kenya’s rail infrastructure with Uganda’s developing network, creating a more seamless transport corridor for goods moving between the coast and the interior of East Africa.
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