The Nairobi Railway City project is a transformative urban development initiative by Kenya Railways, in partnership with the UK government.
– Project Overview: The project will occupy 425 acres of land in Nairobi’s Central Business District, bounded by Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, and Bunyala Road. It’s designed to decongest the city, boost economic growth, and provide modern transportation infrastructure.
– Phases and Timeline: The project will be developed in phases, with the first phase already underway. This phase includes constructing a pedestrian footbridge, a new Nairobi Central Railway station, and a public square. The project is expected to be completed by 2030, with a total implementation timeline of 20 years.
– Funding and Investment: The project is estimated to cost KES 28 billion (approximately $169 million for the first phase). The UK government has pledged support, with £80 million funding for the project through UK Export Finance.
– Features and Benefits: The Nairobi Railway City will feature⁴:
– Multimodal Transportation Hub: Integrating commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, and other public transport modes.
– Residential and Commercial Spaces: Including affordable housing, offices, and shopping areas.
– Recreational Parks and Wellness Centers: Green spaces and facilities for residents and visitors.
– Job Creation: An estimated 10,000 jobs will be created during construction, with 5,000 jobs during phases 1 and 2, and another 5,000 after completion.
– Sustainability and Design: The project prioritizes climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and green building technology. The design includes non-motorized transport corridors, pedestrian walkways, and flood protection measures.
Kenya Railways Managing Director, Phillip Mainga, says the project will transform Nairobi’s urban landscape, ease congestion, and inject new life into the city. The project is a collaborative effort between the Kenyan and UK governments, with the potential to serve as a model for future urban development projects in Africa.
