Kisumu governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o has lauded the national government’s decision to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu.
Nyong’o said the move was set to boost economic activities in the lakeside county and at the same time facilitate quick movement of people and goods from Mombasa to Kisumu and Uganda once the project is completed.
He said the project once completed will open up the western tourist circuit which is endowed by beautiful sites thus spurring economic growth in the area.
The initiative, he added was set to enhance activities at the refurbished Kisumu Port opening up opportunities for residents of the Lake region to trade.
“I would like to thank Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen for announcing the long awaited extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu beginning this year,” he said.
The lake region, he said has awaited the project for a long time urging the national government to move with speed and implement the project.
On Monday, Murkomen announced plans by the government to embark on the project expressing optimism that 35 percent of the works shall be completed this year.
The project started by former President Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to run from Mombasa to Kisumu.
However, it stalled after phase 2 A of the project from Nairobi-Naivasha due to lack of funds.
Nyong’o who is also the chairman of the Lake Region Economic Bloc (BLOC) urged the government to expedite the project to unlock the lake region’s economic potential.
By Chris Mahandara
