President William Ruto has announced a transformative 30-kilometre underground railway project aimed at decongesting Nairobi’s roads by connecting the busy Eastlands area with the Central Business District (CBD).
This initiative marks the first phase of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transport System (NMRTS), featuring 25 stations along the route. The project recently received approval from Nairobi City County, signaling a shift from planning to execution.
Key Features of the Underground Railway
- Connects Eastlands, one of Nairobi’s most trafficked commuter corridors, to the CBD.
- Forms the core of a multi-modal transport system integrating bus rapid transit and commuter rail.
- Designed to serve nearly 5 million residents making over 12 million daily trips.
- Includes pedestrian walkways, non-motorised transport facilities, and transit terminals for seamless connectivity.
Future Expansion Plans
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja confirmed that subsequent phases will expand the network to other parts of the city, including Westlands, Ngong Road, Lang’ata, and western corridors such as Ongata Rongai and Ngong.
The system will link with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network via interchange stations, enhancing commuter flexibility across different transport modes.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project is expected to generate employment during both construction and operation phases. It also aligns with Nairobi’s climate objectives by lowering carbon emissions through reduced reliance on road transport.
Before construction begins, the county will conduct public participation and stakeholder consultations to ensure inclusive planning and coordination across agencies.
