Phase one of Nairobi’s Railway transport system completed

Last Updated 14 years ago by Kenya Engineer

The first phase of the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) project is now complete following the construction of a new commuter railway station at Syokimau and a 2.2 km spur line connecting it to the old Embakasi line.

The Syokimau Railway Station-to start operation in July-is the first intercity connection train station with all amenities. New ultra modern locomotives will be acquired together with wagons to facilitate the modernization of the station. It is aimed at decongesting Mombasa Road as well as ease access to the city. Additionally, the project will also open up new opportunities for employment and housing.

The Sh200 million rail line is the first Kenya has built since the Second World War. It is part of a larger Sh24 billion urban transport network that will connect Nairobi’s estates with the central business district. Target commuters are those from Syokimau, Kitengela, Athi River, Machakos and Mombasa Road.

The Government is considering international financing after an ambitious Sh17billion bond plan failed to materialize due to a harsh macroeconomic environment.However, the first phase of the project is being funded by the Exchequer.

The new railway line will be served by six refurbished locomotives with a total capacity of 175 passengers each. Currently, Kenya Railways Corporation operates on a single route twice a day serving 50,000 passengers. The refurbished network will see to two trains moving in different directions with a capacity of 10,000 passengers a day.

Kenya Railways Corporation together with InfraCo Group will build a new 6.5km line connecting Embakasi to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) starting July next year. Still under construction is the Makadara Station which is expected to be two times the size of the Syokimau station. There are a total of four stations all under the Nairobi urban transport master plan under the Vision 2030.

The plan is to reduce Nairobi’s reliance on matatu transport and eliminate traffic jams in the city. The master plan includes proposed construction of new lines to satellite towns such as Ngong, Kiserian and Kikuyu.

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