By Janet Nyamwamu
West Mugirango member of Parliament (MP) Stephen Mogaka has backed the proposed Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Bill (Kenya).
Mogaka said the planned railway levy will expand rail infrastructure and unlock economic opportunities in the Gusii region and across the country.
Speaking during debate in the National Assembly, Mogaka supported the Bill sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, arguing that railway transport remains the most cost-effective way of moving cargo and passengers.
“Those who have travelled know that the most cost-effective mode of transport, particularly for cargo, is either water or railway,” Mogaka said.
“We have hitherto been locked on road transport, which is not only very costly, but also very risky.”
The lawmaker welcomed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and eventually into the Gusii region, including a proposed station at Ikonge.
He praised William Ruto for supporting the expansion, saying it would transform the movement of farm produce and construction materials from Nyamira and neighboring counties.
Mogaka noted that farmers in the region—known for producing tea, sugarcane, bananas, avocados, potatoes and pineapples—have long struggled with high transport costs that limit their access to markets.
“I see this railway, this levy, this fund we are creating today, opening up an opportunity not only to expand the SGR to Ikonge, but extending to Homa Bay, Migori and even connecting us to Tanzania through Isebania,” he said.
“That is going to be a game-changer.”
He also defended the proposal to establish a board to manage the railway levy fund, saying it provides a transparent framework for collecting and using public resources under the oversight of the Auditor-General.
According to Mogaka, expanding rail transport would not only reduce road accidents but also lower the cost of moving goods across the country.
He urged lawmakers to pass the Bill, saying the initiative could fundamentally reshape Kenya’s transport system and drive regional economic growth.