Nairobi Set for Electric Trains as Kenya Railways Unveils Major World Bank-Funded Plan
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Nairobi commuters could soon travel on electric trains after Kenya Railways announced plans to electrify the city’s commuter railway network under a major transport project backed by the World Bank.
In a notice dated Wednesday, June 17, Kenya Railways said the Government of Kenya, in partnership with the World Bank, intends to finance the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP), which aims to improve transport within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and promote better land-use planning along key commuter corridors.
“The Government of Kenya (GoK) in partnership with the World Bank intends to finance the implementation of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP),” read part of the notice.
Electric Trains Planned for Nairobi Network
A key component of the project is the electrification of the Nairobi Commuter Railway Network and the acquisition of new trains, including Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) and Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs).
The project will also involve the development of the Nairobi Central Station-Thika commuter line, one of the busiest transport corridors serving the capital and its surrounding areas.
According to Kenya Railways, the project seeks to improve commuter rail services, making them more efficient and reliable for passengers travelling within Nairobi and neighbouring towns.
Besides introducing electric trains, the project includes plans to develop and equip maintenance workshops for both electric and diesel-electric trains.
Kenya Railways also plans to establish a manufacturing unit for railway rolling stock spare parts, fittings, and fasteners.
Other planned developments include the construction of a concrete sleeper manufacturing plant and the acquisition of maintenance railway equipment such as locomotives, ballast hopper wagons, low-sided wagons, and low loaders.
Nairobi-Thika Corridor to Get Major Upgrades
The project will further support the planning and development of Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) along the Nairobi Central Station-Thika commuter corridor.
These developments are expected to promote better integration of housing, businesses, and transport services around railway stations.
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To improve access to railway services, the project will also finance the construction of priority access roads leading to commuter railway stations, as well as multi-modal transport facilities that will enable easier connections between trains and other modes of transport.
In addition, Kenya Railways plans to construct the Likoni Road Over-Railway Bridge and its associated road approaches to help ease traffic flow and improve connectivity in Nairobi.
Kenya Railways said the project will be implemented jointly with other government agencies and county governments within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
Kenya Railways Invites Stakeholders for Consultations
As part of preparations for the project, the corporation has invited private sector stakeholders and industry players to participate in an Early Market Engagement meeting scheduled for June 24, 2026, at the Railway Training Institute in South B, Nairobi, from 9 am to 1 pm.
The meeting will provide stakeholders with information about the project, expected procurement opportunities, and implementation arrangements. Kenya Railways is also seeking feedback on the project’s design, procurement approaches, pricing, market trends, supply chain risks, and the availability of alternative goods and services.
The corporation said the consultation will help it understand new technologies and innovative solutions available in the market while also informing the development of the project’s procurement strategy.
Interested stakeholders have been asked to confirm attendance by emailing procure@krc.co.ke by 5 pm on June 21, 2026.
Kenya Railways noted that discussions during the engagement will be for consultation purposes only and that all future procurement processes will be conducted competitively in line with World Bank procurement regulations.
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Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga speaking at a past press conference in 2021. PHOTO/Kenya Railways