Ruto's SGR, road projects with China hailed by Western leaders

President William Ruto with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on April 24, 2025. [PCS]

Leaders from Western Kenya have hailed the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba and the expansion of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba highway, which are set to enhance trade and regional connectivity across Kenya and the wider East African region.

This follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between President William Ruto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during Ruto's four-day state visit to China. The project, which will require at least Sh675 billion (US$4.5 billion) to complete, aims to boost the viability and economic impact of the railway, creating new opportunities for the region.