Kenya and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the implementation of the Nairobi Railway City Project, a transformative urban initiative aimed at easing congestion and improving mobility in the capital.
Speaking after a meeting with British High Commissioner Neil Wigan in Nairobi on Tuesday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the strategic importance of the project in Kenya’s urban regeneration agenda. He said the two countries were aligned in expediting the remaining processes required to commence the construction of the Nairobi Central Railway Station, the centrepiece of the Railway City.
“I engaged in a constructive meeting with His Excellency Neil Wigan, where we explored key areas of bilateral cooperation between Kenya and the United Kingdom,” Mudavadi stated. “We reaffirmed our commitment to expedite the remaining processes necessary for the commencement of the Central Railway Station set to be the flagship development within the transformative Railway City initiative.”
First unveiled at the UK–Africa Investment Summit in January 2020 and later designated a Project of Strategic National Importance in 2021, the Nairobi Railway City is envisioned as a modern, integrated transport and commercial hub. It will redevelop 500 acres around the existing Central Railway Station to include transport infrastructure, affordable housing, green public spaces, commercial zones, and cultural amenities.
The design features a comprehensive mobility plan, including a revamped commuter rail system, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors, pedestrian walkways, and cycling lanes. A stakeholder meeting in June involving urban planners, architects, and government agencies evaluated progress and coordinated efforts around the construction phase.
The first phase of the project covering station platforms, pedestrian concourses, and utility linkages is already underway, with Kenya seeking additional funding and technical support from the UK.
The Nairobi Central Railway Station, once completed, is projected to serve up to 30,000 passengers per hour, significantly enhancing urban mobility and reducing traffic congestion in the city.
In addition to infrastructure, Mudavadi and Wigan discussed regional peace and security, including mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reaffirming the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.
