Residents of Kisii and Nyamira counties are set to benefit from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu following its launch by President William Ruto.

Speaking during the Alumni’s Day at Sameta High School in Sameta Sub-County, Kisii County, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said the project will benefit the agriculture sector which is the major economic activity in the region and the passenger traffic which is mainly business oriented to other regions.

He called off the President’s critics who were criticising government projects, saying that the SGR will play a crucial role in increasing freight volume and strengthening passenger transportation capacity, thus boosting the economy in the region.

The Naivasha – Kisumu SGR has a passenger terminus and major freight stations in Kisumu and Malaba towns.

It will also have crossing stations in Ikonge center in North Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, Ngorengore, Mulot North, Bomet West, Sotik North, Asawo, Kapsarok, Ahero South and East Kolwa, among others.

Under the digital superhighway and creative economy pillar, the PS reiterated the government’s commitment to extend the digital cable to over 100,000 kilometers to reach the widest part of the country.

On the on-going rains pounding various parts of the country, the PS urged residents to stay alert and avoid disasters that could cost their lives including flash floods, mudslides and crossing floodwaters.

This comes even as the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning on heavy rains expected across the country this weekend.