President Ruto Unveils KSh 5 Billion Voi–Taveta SGR Project To Boost Kenya-Tanzania Trade

President William Ruto has announced plans to establish new railway stations in Mwatate, Bura, Mwakitau, and Taveta as part of a proposed KSh 5 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension linking Voi to the Tanzanian border.

Addressing residents of Mwatate in Taita Taveta County on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the President confirmed that rail construction along the route is already making progress toward Mwakitau.

“Recently I stood here, and you told me you want business between you and Tanzanians to run smoothly. Besides the roads in this era, you urged me to build you a railway,” Ruto stated. “The rail is already underway. Some had discouraged me from building it, but the rail is already in operation, and it is in Mwakitau. Now the railway has reached Mwakitau, and it is proceeding well.”

Key Stations and Regional Trade Impact

To facilitate trade and regional mobility, the President assured residents that strategic stations will be constructed along the route.

“I want to assure you that in the construction of the railway, to make it easy for the transportation of people and goods, we will build a station here in Mwatate and also in Bura,” Ruto said. “We will build a station in Mwakitau too.”

The proposed cross-border SGR extension will route through Voi, Mwatate, Bura, Mwakitau, and Taveta before connecting directly with Tanzania. The project aims to lower transit costs, boost cross-border commerce, and streamline freight and passenger movement between Kenya and northern Tanzania.

Parallel Rail Infrastructure Upgrades

The SGR initiative runs alongside a separate project to rehabilitate the 130-kilometer Voi–Taveta Metre Gauge Railway (MGR), which had been defunct for nearly two decades.

President Ruto officially launched the KSh 5.5 billion MGR rehabilitation effort on April 10, 2026. By July, Kenya Railways reported completing 70 percent of the initial earthworks for the metre-gauge line.

While Kenya continues its infrastructure push towards the border, Tanzania is simultaneously advancing its own SGR network expansions, setting the stage for an integrated regional rail corridor connecting Kenya, Tanzania, and neighboring East African markets.