
Philip J Mainga,Managing Director Kenya Railways (KR)
- Officials Unveil Progress for Nairobi’s Transformative Railway City;
Nairobi’s ambitious Railway City Project is steadily moving forward, with a recent plenary session at the Hilton Garden Inn highlighting progress on the plan to transform the capital’s central rail hub into a modern, green, and integrated urban space.
Envisioned as a dynamic model city, the NRC aims to create a safe and clean environment with efficient transport, affordable living, and economic opportunities for all.
The NRC articulated its clear vision: “a clean, green, and safe urban city where people can walk with dignity, live on an affordable level, and access opportunities.”
The session brought together Kenya Railways’ top leaders, the Nairobi Railway City Secretariat, urban planning professionals, and mobility professionals.
“This important engagement was graced by the Chairman of the Kenya Railways Board, Mr. Abdi Bare Duale the Managing Director Kenya Railways Mr Philip J Mainga, and the Kenya Railways Board of Directors who reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to driving the successful delivery of this landmark urban regeneration initiative,” read part of the NRC statement.
This multi-mode transit hub will connect commuter rail to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with safe cycling corridors and walking spaces for pedestrians.
The hub aims to relieve the city center of congestion, cut carbon emissions, and provide commuters with clean and dignified modes of transport.
The Nairobi Railway City will also incorporate green housing facilities, such as student housing, and conference and exhibition halls for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
These facilities will introduce new life to the city center, promoting economic activity and adopting sustainable living.
This project will incorporate integrated sustainable housing and student accommodations and seamless connectivity to other modes of transport, NRC said.
The NRC is at the heart of Nairobi’s transformation into a contemporary metropolis—both a commuting space and a people-focused, liveable city center.
All stakeholders shared a common vision: for the project to maintain global standards in urban development and transport efficiency.
The Nairobi Railway City project was first presented to the public at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London in January 2020.
It was proposed as a game-changing plan for transforming Nairobi’s inner rail corridor into a green, new, and connected city space.
The government then formally recognized the project as one of the national development priorities.
It was officially declared to be a Project of Strategic National Importance in a Physical and Land Use Planning Act gazette notice on May 21, 2021.
Official work commenced on December 7, 2022, with a groundbreaking ceremony led by President William Ruto.