Blow to Matatu Owners as Nairobi County Approves First Underground Rail Line Beneath CBD

Nairobi County has approved the implementation framework for the first phase of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS), paving the way for the construction of the city’s first underground railway line beneath the Central Business District (CBD).

The approval was granted during the 90th County Executive Committee (CEC) meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, marking a major milestone in the county’s plan to modernise Nairobi’s public transport system.

The proposal for Phase I was presented by Dr. Silvester Kasuku, Governance Advisor in the Executive Office of the President, highlighting collaboration between the national government and Nairobi City County in implementing the flagship infrastructure project.

“Today, we are moving from planning to implementation. The approval of Phase I of the NMRTS is our commitment to delivering a modern, fast, safe and dignified public transport system,” Sakaja said.

Nairobi County Approves First Underground Railway to Eastlands

According to the county government, the underground railway will improve transport links between Eastlands and the city centre, serving thousands of daily commuters while offering a high-capacity alternative to road transport.

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Governor Sakaja said the underground CBD section will be integrated with high-capacity rail links to Eastlands to improve mobility and stimulate economic growth.

“By integrating an underground CBD core with high-capacity links to Eastlands, we will unlock Nairobi’s economic potential, lower the cost of transport and build a cleaner, greener and world-class city,” he said.

He added that the underground CBD section will also create integrated transit terminals that seamlessly connect rail services, pedestrians and non-motorised transport.

Beyond improving mobility, officials said the project is expected to create thousands of jobs during both the construction and operational phases while reducing carbon emissions in line with Nairobi’s long-term sustainability and climate goals.

Additionally Sakaja noted that commuters from Eastlands and other parts of the metropolitan area have spent years losing valuable time in traffic congestion, slowing economic productivity.

“For far too long, the people of Nairobi, particularly our hard-working commuters from Eastlands and across the metropolitan area, have lost precious hours in traffic jams that slow down our economic growth,” he said.

Sakaja Outlines Next Phase of Nairobi’s Mass Transit Plan

Sakaja also revealed that planning for Phase II is already underway.

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According to the governor, the next phase will extend the rail network to Westlands, Ngong Road and Lang’ata while serving the rapidly growing commuter populations of Ongata Rongai, Ngong and Nairobi’s western corridor.

Once completed, the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System will be integrated with the city’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system through strategically located interchange stations, creating a seamless, high-capacity public transport network across Nairobi.

Meanwhile, Nairobi County said it will begin public participation forums, stakeholder consultations with transport sector players and inter-agency planning ahead of the project’s official groundbreaking.

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An aerial view of Nairobi CBD Roads. PHOTO/ PS Raymond Omollo.