The 57-kilometre Nairobi–Thika commuter rail line is slated for a KSh65 billion refurbishment, with financing supplied by the World Bank.
The upgrade will overhaul the line’s infrastructure, modernise a total of fifteen stations and introduce safety enhancements for passengers.
Work will involve restoring four stations that are currently out of service, adding three brand-new stops and improving existing facilities to relieve traffic on the Thika Highway.
The Environmental and Social Impact Report for the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project outlines that the works will extend from Nairobi Central, passing through Dandora, Githurai 45 and Ruiru, before reaching Thika, and will serve both residential and commercial zones along the corridor.
New stations are planned at Wakulima House in Nairobi’s central business district, as well as at Maili Saba and Kalimoni in Juja, bringing the total station count on the route to fifteen.
The scope also covers track repairs, redesign of stations and upgrades to passenger safety and accessibility, together with the construction of access roads, footpaths, cycle lanes and street lighting within one kilometre of each station to boost security.
The report adds: “Improved connectivity will facilitate easier movement of passengers between different transport systems, thereby reducing travel time, improving convenience, and increasing the overall efficiency of the public transport network.”
Kenya Railways Corporation will establish a maintenance workshop at Makadara Railway Station to service locomotives, passenger coaches, freight wagons and other railway equipment.
The refurbishment coincides with government discussions on modernising the broader Nairobi Commuter Rail network, which may include electrification and the purchase of new trainsets.
Earlier in the year, the World Bank pledged $500 million (KSh64.5 billion) toward the revamp of the 57-kilometre line as part of a larger urban transport modernisation effort estimated at KSh219 billion.
In addition, the World Bank will fund feasibility studies and preliminary design work for the commuter rail system, including preparations for possible electrification.
