Nyamira SGR Station Approved: President Ruto’s Directive Sparks Hope for Trade and Economic Growth
The broader SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba is expected to ease movement of both passengers and cargo.
President William Ruto lays a foundation stone for the construction of the Ikonge modern market in Nyamira County, where he decreed the construction of a station for the SGR in the area. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth sang
Residents of Nyamira County have welcomed a directive by William Ruto to include a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station at Ikonge in Nyamira North, a Sh300 million project expected to significantly boost trade and connectivity in the region.
The announcement comes after weeks of concern among locals over the initial design of the Naivasha–Malaba SGR extension, which had excluded Nyamira—an omission residents argued would have disadvantaged the wider Gusii region, as well as neighbouring counties such as Migori County and Homa Bay County.
Speaking during the President’s development tour of the region, residents expressed relief and renewed optimism following the inclusion of the Ikonge station. Daniel Obwoge, a trader in Ikonge town, said the decision reversed earlier frustrations when plans showed the railway line passing through the county without a stop.
“Gusii region transports so many foodstuffs and cash crops to Nairobi and Mombasa cities. Many a times, we incur losses while selling our highly perishable foodstuffs… Much of these products get spoilt and rot before they reach their intended destinations because they delay on the road,” Obwoge said.
He added that the project would be transformative for local businesses. “Construction of an SGR station in Nyamira will be a total game changer because all our perishable food products will reach their destination in record time and we will no longer continue incurring losses.”
Martha Nyaboke, a trader dealing in sugarcane and avocados, echoed similar sentiments, noting that high transport costs and logistical challenges have long affected profitability.
“An increase in fuel prices automatically compels me to spend more to ensure my products reach Nairobi… In some instances the vehicles transporting these products get involved in accidents or mechanical breakdowns, greatly inconveniencing my business schedules,” she said.
“Once this SGR station is complete, I will be assured that my products will be transported safely and reach Nairobi in good time… I have already started strategizing to increase my customer base to Mombasa city,” Nyaboke added.
The broader SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba is expected to ease movement of both passengers and cargo, with passenger trains projected to run at speeds of up to 120 km/h and freight trains at 80 km/h—significantly reducing travel time and improving efficiency.
The inclusion of Nyamira in the railway network is also seen as part of the government’s wider infrastructure push under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and unlocking economic potential in previously underserved areas.
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