Kenya Railways, in collaboration with the UK government, is undertaking a landmark urban development project aimed at reshaping Nairobi’s central business district.
Known as the Nairobi Railway City, the initiative will span 425 acres of prime land bordered by Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, and Bunyala Road.
It is envisioned as a modern, integrated transport and commercial hub designed to ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the city’s infrastructure.
The multi-phase development is already underway, with initial works including the construction of a pedestrian footbridge, a new Nairobi Central Railway station, and a public square.
The entire project is expected to be completed by 2030, with implementation set to span two decades.
Estimated to cost KES 28 billion for its first phase—approximately $169 million—the project has received a significant financial boost from the UK government, which has pledged £80 million through UK Export Finance.
The Nairobi Railway City will host a range of facilities including a multimodal transportation hub that integrates commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, and other public transport services.
It will also include residential and commercial spaces, affordable housing, offices, shopping areas, recreational parks, and wellness centers.
A key component of the project is job creation, with an estimated 10,000 jobs expected during construction—5,000 in the first two phases and another 5,000 after completion.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the development prioritizes climate resilience, green building technology, and environmental stewardship.
Features such as non-motorized transport corridors, pedestrian walkways, and flood protection measures are central to its blueprint.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga described the initiative as a game changer for Nairobi.
“The Nairobi Railway City will ease congestion and inject new life into our capital,” he said. “It is a model for the future of African urban development.”The project stands as a testament to the growing cooperation between Kenya and the UK and underscores the potential of strategic infrastructure investment in transforming African cities.
