Kenya on Thursday restarted construction of its multibillion-dollar Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, as part of plans to strengthen regional connectivity and trade links with neighbouring Uganda.

The new phase will be financed through a revenue-backed model and built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), highlighting continued cooperation between Kenya and China in infrastructure development.

The railway's first section, linking the port city of Mombasa to Nairobi, was completed in 2017, and the extended line is expected to enhance cargo movement across the region, supporting economic growth.

Kenya is using proceeds from a railway development levy on cargo transported along the existing line to fund construction of the new phases.

China has also expanded its engagement in Africa through a mix of investment and financing initiatives. This includes a pledge by China of $50 billion in credit and investment over three years.

President William Ruto launched the latest phase in Narok, reaffirming the government's commitment to completing the railway and boosting regional integration.

The next stage of the project will extend the line toward the Ugandan border, with further developments planned to connect key economic hubs across East Africa.