Fresh scrutiny has emerged over the escalating cost of extending Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), following renewed government commitment to the project.
Concerns raised on Thursday highlight a sharp increase in per-kilometre construction costs, fueling debate over transparency and fiscal priorities.
According to The Standard, the projected cost of the SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba now ranges between Sh500 billion and Sh650 billion.
This positions the project as the most expensive infrastructure undertaking of William Ruto’s first term.
The newspaper pointed to a significant shift in pricing, noting that construction costs have surged from an estimated Sh693 million per kilometre to as high as Sh1.75 billion.
The steep increase has raised questions among analysts and policy observers about the factors driving the revised figures, including inflation, financing structures, and possible design changes.
The development also marks a notable policy reversal. During the 2022 election period, leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration had criticized the SGR as economically unsustainable, citing its burden on public debt and limited returns.
The current push to revive and extend the railway has therefore drawn criticism from pundits who see it as inconsistent with earlier positions.
Legal hurdles further complicate the project’s future. The proposed extension has already been challenged in court, with petitioners reportedly questioning procurement processes, environmental considerations, and the overall value for money.
Speaking after launching the latest phase of the railway project, President Ruto defended the investment, framing it as a continuation of a long-term national infrastructure agenda.
He noted that Kenya began replacing the 130-year-old colonial railway line, commonly referred to as the “Lunatic Express,” in 2014 with a modern SGR system.
Ruto said the first phase, running from Mombasa to Naivasha, had initially faced skepticism, with critics branding it a “railway to nowhere.”
However, he argued that the line has since proven its value as a critical backbone of the country’s transport network, improving efficiency in the movement of both cargo and passengers.
The President outlined plans for the next phase, which will extend the railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and eventually to Malaba.
The Naivasha-Kisumu segment will cover 264 kilometres, with an additional 8.69-kilometre branch linking to the proposed Kisumu Port. The Kisumu-Malaba section is expected to span 107 kilometres, creating a direct link between Kenya and Uganda.
He added that the railway will pass through nine counties, including Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Busia, among others.
According to Ruto, the corridor is expected to ease the movement of goods and people, stimulate regional trade, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a logistics hub in Eastern and Central Africa.
Despite the government’s assurances, critics maintain that the rising costs and shifting policy stance require greater public accountability.