Ruto Meets Chinese Executive Ahead of Key SGR Launches
President William Ruto on Wednesday held high-level talks with Song Hailiang at State House, Nairobi, ahead of the launch of new sections of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The meeting comes just before the commissioning of the Naivasha–Narok–Kisumu section on Thursday and the planned launch of the final stretch to Malaba on Saturday, a move expected to complete a key regional transport corridor.
Discussions focused on strengthening infrastructure cooperation between Kenya and China as the government moves to complete one of its most ambitious transport projects.
President Ruto described the SGR extension as transformative for Kenya and East Africa, saying it will greatly improve trade and logistics.
“This project is not just about building a railway, but about connecting East African economies. Once complete, it will position Kenya as the main gateway to the region,” he said.
The railway is expected to improve the movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa to inland areas and neighboring countries, reducing transport costs and delivery time.
It will also reduce congestion on major highways like the Nairobi–Kisumu route, which is currently crowded with cargo trucks, leading to traffic, road damage, and accidents.
By shifting cargo transport from road to rail, the government expects safer transport, lower logistics costs, and reduced prices for fuel and consumer goods. Trade with Uganda is also expected to increase.
Song Hailiang, whose company China Communications Construction Company is leading the project, reaffirmed China’s commitment to delivering a modern railway system.
He said the project reflects the strong partnership between Kenya and China and China’s continued support for Kenya’s infrastructure development.
Other officials present included Chen Zhong and Du Fei, whose organizations have contributed to major projects in Kenya.
Key projects linked to these firms include the Nairobi Expressway and the SGR line from Mombasa to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, developed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The upcoming launches mark a major milestone for the SGR project. On Thursday, President Ruto is expected to commission the Narok–Kisumu section, which passes through the Rift Valley and is expected to boost tourism and agriculture.
On Saturday, he will launch the final section to Malaba, completing the railway link to the Uganda border and strengthening regional integration within East Africa.
