Kenya and Uganda Deepen Collaboration on Northern Corridor Railway DevelopmentKenya and Uganda have renewed their joint commitment to fast-tracking the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and enhancing regional transport connectivity along the Northern Corridor.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi after hosting a Ugandan delegation, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir underscored the importance of close coordination between the two countries to ensure seamless cross-border railway integration.“The Northern Corridor remains the backbone of trade for East and Central Africa. Our discussions focused on aligning technical designs, project timelines, and financing strategies to deliver a fully integrated railway network that connects Mombasa to Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Chirchir said.
The Northern Corridor serves as a vital artery for regional commerce, linking Kenya’s Port of Mombasa to key inland markets. Kenya has already completed the SGR line from Mombasa to Nairobi and onward to Naivasha, with plans in motion to extend the line by 262 kilometers to Kisumu and a further 107 kilometers to Malaba at the Kenya-Uganda border.
Uganda has also made notable progress on its segment of the railway, as both nations continue to engage development partners to secure funding for the remaining sections.
Recent performance data indicates growing efficiency in Kenya’s rail transport system, with cargo volumes hitting a record high of 640 million tons last month, an increase from the previous monthly average of 500 million tons. Officials say this milestone reflects the railway’s expanding role in regional logistics and its contribution to decongesting road transport.
The joint initiative is expected to boost trade competitiveness, cut transit times, and strengthen economic ties across the East and Central African region once fully operational.
