Kenya’s ambitious Nairobi Railway City project has received fresh momentum following President William Ruto’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, where high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the two nations’ commitment to strategic cooperation.
The multi-billion shilling urban renewal initiative, backed by the UK government, is poised to transform the heart of Nairobi’s transport and commercial landscape. Anchored around the Nairobi Central Railway Station, the project envisions a modern, interconnected transit hub surrounded by dynamic public spaces, commercial zones, and upgraded infrastructure.
“This project will drive economic growth, generate jobs, and improve how people move in and out of Nairobi. It’s a game-changer for our city,” said President Ruto following his Tuesday meeting at 10 Downing Street in London.
The visit not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also unlocked renewed investor confidence in the broader Kenya-UK partnership, particularly in infrastructure and urban development.
Set to break ground later this year, the Railway City project is slated for completion within three years. According to the President, the final touches on the financing model are underway, with Kenya committed to providing counterpart funding to accelerate implementation.
Initially unveiled at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in 2020, the project had its ceremonial launch on December 7, 2022, led by President Ruto himself. Since then, planning has steadily progressed behind the scenes, and now, with Cabinet approval secured last week, the project is ready to move into full-scale execution.
Oversight and leadership have been strategically distributed across key ministries and institutions. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will provide overarching political oversight, while Treasury Secretary John Mbadi takes charge of financial governance. Transport Secretary Davis Chirchir is tasked with ensuring the transport components meet modern standards, and Kenya Railways Corporation boss Phillip Mainga will coordinate on-the-ground implementation, focusing on land use and stakeholder engagement.
The Railway City is part of a broader regeneration blueprint for Nairobi, aligned with President Ruto’s urban transformation agenda. Beyond simply improving infrastructure, the plan aims to reshape how Nairobi functions creating a more efficient, liveable, and economically vibrant metropolis.
As Ruto put it, “This isn’t just about new buildings or better trains it’s about creating opportunities and improving lives for everyday Kenyans.”
With political will, strategic partnerships, and public investment aligned, Nairobi’s transformation is no longer a distant dream it’s now firmly on track.
