What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has confirmed the construction of a Ksh 300 million Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station in Ikonge, Nyamira County. This announcement aims to address local concerns about the initial plans that excluded the area from having a station. The new station is expected to enhance transportation for residents and boost the local economy.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has moved to calm fears among Nyamira residents following earlier concerns over the location of stations after the launch of Phase 2B of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu.
Speaking in Ikonge, Nyamira County, on Monday, April 13, during a development tour, the Head of State confirmed that Nyamira will have its own SGR station at Ikonge.
According to the Head of State, the station would cost Ksh300 million, and would serve as a centre for Nyamira residents looking to use the SGR with convenience.
“I am the one who pushed for the railway from Naivasha to pass through Ikonge, and here in Ikonge, I am building a Ksh 300 million railway station,” Ruto stated.
“This station will help you transport people and goods. I want you to organise yourselves because all the produce you want to move to Nairobi will be done through the SGR, so you can tell the naysayers to relax,” the president added.
His statement comes after residents in Nyamira raised concerns after initial reports indicated that, despite the railway passing through Ikonge, it was left out and was not supposed to have a railway station.
The locals argued that the lack of the station would lock out business in Nyamira, especially in the transportation of goods from Nyamira to other parts of the country, including Nakuru, Narok, Nairobi, Mombasa, and even Kisumu.
It can be remembered that the initial plans of the SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu left Nyamira County without a station despite the rail passing through Ikonge.
Before adding the Ikonge station, the rail was to feature six intermediate stations, located in Narok, Mulot, Bomet, Sotik, Sondu, and Ahero.
The SGR would also incorporate 17 crossing stations across Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kericho, and Kisumu counties.
Leaders from Nyamira who accompanied Ruto during his tour in Ikonge appreciated the president for allocating the county an SGR station, noting that the station will boost the economy of the county, known for agricultural produce.
Besides the railway station, Ruto also left a series of promises for the residents, adding up to billions. He promised over 100 kilometres of roads to be tarmacked in the area, the elevation of the Nyamira referral hospital to higher standards and the start of construction of markets, hostels and affordable housing.
Ruto also pledged Ksh 900 million for a stadium, and over 700 million for the construction of Nyamira University.
The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project in Kenya is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transportation across the country. Initially launched to connect Mombasa to Nairobi, the project has since expanded to include various phases, with the latest extension reaching Kisumu. The inclusion of stations in strategic locations is crucial for local economies, especially in agricultural regions like Nyamira, where access to transport can significantly impact trade and development.
