Matatu operators working around Nairobi Central Railway Station will have to adjust their operations as Kenya Railways prepares the area for construction of the Ksh30 billion Nairobi Railway City Project.
The corporation said on Friday, October 23, that it would introduce designated passenger drop-off points and new operating lanes to allow construction to begin without disrupting public transport services.
Under the new arrangements, eight passenger drop-off areas and two matatu operating lanes will be set up around the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station area.
Green Park Terminus has also been identified as a holding area where matatus can park as operations around the railway station are reorganised.
The changes were announced after a meeting between Kenya Railways officials and matatu operators on Friday. The meeting was led by Nairobi Railway City Project Manager Milly Kiziili, who briefed stakeholders on plans to minimise disruptions during construction.
Kenya Railways said matatus currently picking up and dropping off passengers at the front of the Central Railway Station would have their operations reorganised to create room for the contractor.
“Matatu operations currently using the front of Nairobi Central Station for passenger services will be streamlined to facilitate site possession while maintaining continuity of public transport services,” the corporation said.
The agency also outlined several improvements planned around the station to make the area safer and easier to use during construction.
The works will include installing floodlights, improving drainage, resurfacing roads, marking traffic lanes and making it safer for pedestrians to move around the area.
The changes are part of the Nairobi Railway City Project, a development planned on 438 acres in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
The Ksh30 billion project is being implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the United Kingdom government expected to provide the funding.
Once completed, the area around the Central Railway Station is expected to serve as a major transport hub connecting the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Meter Gauge Railway, BRT services and facilities for pedestrians and other non-motorised transport users.
The project is intended to improve connections between different transport services in the city, while the immediate changes will allow construction to proceed around one of Nairobi’s key public transport areas.