Details of Meeting Between Ruto and Sakaja Over Multi-Billion Nairobi Project

President William Ruto has endorsed the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMMRTS), paving the way for the implementation of the first underground metro rail network.

According to a statement dated July 31, the endorsement followed a high-level presentation at State House by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and officials from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, days after the Nairobi City County Executive Committee approved the project.

Governor Sakaja welcomed the President’s backing, describing it as a significant breakthrough for Nairobi’s future. 

“It was a successful presentation and the President endorsed it fully. This is by far the most consequential development this city will see,” Sakaja said.

Ruto Says Nairobi Underground Metro Is the Answer to Traffic Gridlock

Ruto said the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System offers the best solution to the persistent traffic congestion and gridlock that have long affected Nairobi and its surrounding areas.

“Our plan for the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transport System is the perfect solution to the traffic congestion and gridlock that face our capital city and the environs,” the President said.

 

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He added that the Nairobi City County Government has already granted the approvals required for the project’s first phase.

Meanwhile, the initial phase of the project will involve constructing a 30-kilometre underground railway line connecting densely populated estates in Eastlands to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) through 25 stations.

According to Ruto, the underground metro will serve as the backbone of a broader integrated transport network combining Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and commuter rail services.

Once completed, the transport system is expected to serve nearly five million residents, who make more than 12 million trips across Nairobi every day.

The project is also expected to improve connectivity between residential areas and key economic hubs while reducing travel times for commuters.

Phase I to Link Eastlands as Phase II Plans Take Shape 

Ruto’s endorsement comes a week after Nairobi County approved the implementation framework for the first phase of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS), granted during the 90th County Executive Committee (CEC) meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja.

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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.

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

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

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

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. 

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Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja while attending thanksgiving ceremony at the PCEA Evergreen Runda on May 3
PHOTO/Sakaja