Kenya Railways Corporation is moving ahead with plans to transform commuter rail services in the capital through a major partnership with the World Bank.
The effort sits within the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project, or KUMIP. It combines infrastructure works with land-use planning along rail corridors to ease congestion and support more organised urban growth.
Ten specific activities make up the core of the project. They include building new commuter rail lines, modernising maintenance facilities and improving access to stations.
Key among them is the development of the Nairobi Central Station to Thika commuter line. The package also features electrification of the existing Nairobi commuter network and procurement of new trainsets, including Electric Multiple Units and Diesel Electric Multiple Units.
Additional works cover transit-oriented developments along the Nairobi Central to Thika corridor. New maintenance workshops will be built and equipped for the incoming rolling stock. A manufacturing unit for spare parts, permanent way fittings and fasteners is planned.
Construction of access roads to various commuter stations forms another component, along with multi-modal transfer facilities. This includes upgrades to the Likoni Road over the Railway Bridge and its approaches.
A concrete sleeper manufacturing plant is listed, together with acquisition of maintenance rolling stock such as locomotives, ballast hoppers, low-sided wagons and low-loaders.
KRC will lead delivery in close coordination with other government agencies and the counties within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. All procurement will follow World Bank guidelines for investment project financing.
To prepare the ground, Kenya Railways has scheduled a consultative meeting with private sector players on June 24, 2026, at the Railway Training Institute in South B, Nairobi.
The session will present project details, expected procurement packages and timelines. Participants will be asked for views on design, sustainability, market conditions, supply chain issues and technology options.
This market sounding will help finalise the Project Procurement Strategy for Development. Contractors, suppliers, consultants and other industry stakeholders are invited to attend and contribute.
The project addresses long-standing challenges of traffic congestion in Nairobi by strengthening rail as the main public transport spine. It builds on current commuter services while expanding capacity and reliability.
Focus on the densely populated Central to Ruiru section of the Thika corridor reflects strong projected demand. Complementary work on urban planning and institutional capacity will run in parallel with the physical builds.
For the construction and engineering sector, the meeting offers early insight into upcoming tenders for civil works, rail systems, rolling stock and related services. Interest is expected from both local and international firms.
Kenya Railways has highlighted the potential for reduced travel times, better connectivity and more structured development around stations. Detailed timelines will emerge as designs and procurement progress.
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