The long-awaited Nairobi Railway City project has been thrust back into the spotlight, with recent high-level engagements signaling that Kenya’s flagship urban development is finally regaining momentum.
WATCH VIDEO https://youtu.be/DZCA4HuQo6U
Spanning 425 acres in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District, this Ksh 28 billion mega-project is designed to transform the city’s urban landscape, ease congestion, and inject new life into one of Africa’s fastest-growing capitals.
A Vision Revived
Originally proposed in 2014 as part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Masterplan (NIUPLAN), the Nairobi Railway City project was conceived as a long-term solution to decongest the city and create a modern, multimodal transit-oriented hub.
Anchored around the existing Nairobi Central Railway Station, the development will integrate with key city arteries—Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Landhies Road, and Bunyala Road—and encompass surrounding land including the central bus station. Much of this underutilized land is owned by Kenya Railways, the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme (KRSRBS), and other government agencies.
Features of the New City
The Nairobi Railway City is designed with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and urban vibrancy. Key features include:
- Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) corridors for safe pedestrian and cycling mobility
- A revamped Central Railway Station, integrated with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines and improved matatu terminals
- A “live, work, and play” urban model featuring residential spaces, commercial zones, recreational parks, and wellness centers
- Seamless alignment with Nairobi’s Transport and Commuter Rail Masterplans, ensuring the development fits into the city’s broader urban vision
UK Partnership Reignites the Project
Momentum was rekindled in January 2020 during the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, where former President Uhuru Kenyatta met with then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The UK Government pledged support for the project, with UK Export Finance (UKEF) signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya’s National Treasury to finance infrastructure projects—Railway City being the first in line.
Fast forward to 2023, and Kenya Railways officially launched early works under Phase 1 of the project. This includes the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the railway yard, a new central station, and a vibrant public square.
A Renewed Push in 2025
In a renewed diplomatic push, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir recently visited the UK to engage further with UKEF and its CEO Tim Reid. The delegation toured London’s Elizabeth Line, a state-of-the-art transit corridor that serves as a blueprint for what Nairobi hopes to achieve.
“The Nairobi Railway City is not just about infrastructure—it’s about reimagining the economic and social fabric of Nairobi,” said Mudavadi, noting that the development will help decongest the CBD and revitalize railway-adjacent neighborhoods.
Jobs and Opportunities Ahead
The project is also poised to create 10,000 jobs, with 5,000 during the construction of Phases 1 and 2, and another 5,000 after completion. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will benefit from new retail, commercial, and public space opportunities along the pedestrian and transit corridors.
A New Chapter for Nairobi
If fully realized, the Nairobi Railway City could be a game-changer—not just for Kenya, but as a model for future African cities. With renewed political backing, international financing, and early construction now underway, the dream of a cleaner, greener, and better-connected Nairobi is once again within reach.
