President Ruto Endorses Nairobi's First Underground Metro Rail Project

President William Ruto has endorsed plans for Nairobi’s first underground metro railway. The endorsement followed a progress briefing at State House by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and national and county officials.

The project forms part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System. The Nairobi City County Executive Committee had earlier approved the implementation framework for Phase I, clearing the way for the next steps. Governor Sakaja described the President’s backing as a major milestone for the city’s transport sector.

Ruto said the mass transit system offers a long-term answer to the congestion that has long affected Nairobi and its environs. The underground metro is expected to form the backbone of an integrated network that also includes Bus Rapid Transit and existing commuter rail services. The wider system is designed to serve nearly five million residents who make more than 12 million trips across the metropolitan area each day.

Phase I covers approximately 30 kilometres and 25 stations. A 10-kilometre underground core through the Central Business District will act as the central spine. Stations are planned at Upper Hill, Kenyatta National Hospital, Parliament, City Hall, Kenyatta Avenue, Railways/Muthurwa, University Way, Museum Hill, Westlands and Sarit Centre.

Beyond the CBD the line will extend into Eastlands along four corridors. The main trunk will serve Jericho, Buruburu and Donholm. Branch lines will reach Umoja, Kayole and Komarock; Eastleigh, Kariobangi and Dandora; and Savannah, Fedha and Embakasi. The network is intended to connect densely populated residential areas with employment and commercial centres.

Sakaja said the approval of Phase I marks a shift from planning to implementation. He noted that residents, particularly those commuting from Eastlands, have lost many productive hours to traffic for years. The metro is presented as a modern, faster and more dignified public transport option.

If delivered, the underground railway will rank among the largest public transport infrastructure projects in Kenya’s history. It is expected to shorten travel times, ease pressure on roads and support the city’s continued growth. Detailed financing, procurement and construction timelines will determine how quickly the first phase moves forward.