The Kenyan government has entered into discussions with the World Bank on a series of transformative infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba, and the construction of the Lake Victoria Ring Road.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the talks following a consultative meeting with a World Bank delegation led by Binyam Reja, the Practice Manager for Transport in Eastern and Southern Africa. Chirchir emphasized that the projects are critical to Kenya’s ambition of strengthening its role as a regional hub for trade, tourism, and investment.
Kenya is seeking external financing options amid limited budgetary allocations for large-scale infrastructure. Initially, the government had explored Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to modernize JKIA, though efforts suffered a setback after the cancellation of the proposed Adani Group deal in November last year. The new engagement with the World Bank signals renewed momentum to revamp the country’s largest airport, a crucial gateway for passengers and cargo in the region.
The SGR extension to Malaba remains another priority, with Nairobi actively courting financiers worldwide to complete the project. Extending the railway line to the Uganda border is expected to enhance regional trade flows by reducing transport costs and facilitating efficient movement of goods across East Africa.
Discussions also covered the ambitious Lake Victoria Ring Road project, a 180-kilometre highway set to traverse Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties at an estimated cost of Ksh70 billion. According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project will feature a seven-metre-wide carriageway with two-metre-wide shoulders for non-motorised traffic, while urban sections will incorporate footpaths, lined drains, and other non-motorised transport (NMT) facilities.
“The investments could significantly enhance tourism, trade, and regional integration by facilitating efficient cross-border movement of goods and passengers,” Chirchir noted.
The World Bank talks come as Kenya prioritises infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, seeking to bridge financing gaps while unlocking opportunities in rural economies and strengthening connectivity across the region.
