By Suleiman Mbatiah
The County Government of Nakuru is banking on the optimisation of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to expand trade, attract investors, and grow the local economy. Governor Susan Kihika said a key focus is on leveraging Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to stimulate industrial growth and create jobs along the corridor.
The Governor spoke when she joined the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan, and other stakeholders for an investment forum held aboard the SGR train from Nairobi to Suswa. The unique mobile meeting was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and led by the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’oei.
The session focused on positioning the SGR corridor as a key enabler of industrial growth and economic transformation. Discussions centred around how counties, especially those located along the SGR route, can benefit from increased use of the railway infrastructure to drive economic development.
Governor Kihika emphasised the importance of integrating Nakuru’s economic strengths with the opportunities presented by the SGR. “For Nakuru County, the SGR is a gateway to new markets. It will allow our farmers to access broader export channels for our avocados, potatoes, and flowers,” said Kihika.
She said her administration was focused on tapping into Special Economic Zones to create jobs and boost the region’s industrial base.
Ambassador Haiyan described the SGR as a successful China-Kenya Belt and Road project that advances Kenyans’ hopes for improved livelihoods and development. “Let’s work together to leverage the SGR to build a prosperous economic development belt,” she stated.
The SGR contributes up to 2% of Kenya’s GDP, moving 14 million passengers and 40 million tonnes of cargo annually, reinforcing its growing role in national development. Kihika added that enhancing logistics and freight efficiency could transform livelihoods across counties like Nakuru.
“The more we optimise this infrastructure, the more we unlock the potential of our local economy. This is about creating real opportunities for our youth and increasing the competitiveness of our produce,” she said.
Stakeholders underscored the potential of building logistics hubs and SEZs along the corridor to make Kenya more competitive in regional and global markets. Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho said the SGR has opened major business opportunities, giving Kajiado, Nakuru, and Narok fresh access to local and international markets.
“We are committed to maximising this great infrastructure that passes through our county, in terms of investment along its route, to open up and boost the economy,” he noted. Narok Deputy Governor Tamalimye Koech said Narok town is poised to become a key transport and investment hub, boosting markets and expanding its economic potential.
With the SGR contributing up to 2% of Kenya’s GDP, he explained that Narok County, being on this corridor, is set to become a pivotal transport and investment centre. Foreign Affairs PS Dr Korir Sing’oei said the government would work towards concluding preferential market access agreements, as well as addressing existing inefficiencies.
“We spotlighted constraints faced by companies, including non-tariff barriers and the cost of energy, and agreed to do more,” he stated. Kihika expressed interest in hosting future investment roadshows to attract partnerships in agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics along the SGR corridor.
President William Ruto recently negotiated a new financing model with China to extend the SGR from Nakuru to Kisumu, a long-awaited milestone for the Lake Region and beyond. The deal, secured during Ruto’s recent four-day state visit to China, marks a significant step toward unlocking economic opportunities for millions of Kenyans, particularly in western Kenya.
The new SGR Phase 2B line will eventually connect Kisumu to Malaba, linking Kenya’s rail network to Uganda and strengthening regional trade routes across East Africa.
