Kenya Unveils Major Plan to Modernise Nairobi Commuter Rail System

Kenya Railways is moving forward with an ambitious plan to modernise Nairobi’s commuter rail network through a major project backed by the World Bank.

The project is expected to transform urban rail transport in the capital by introducing modern rolling stock, new rail manufacturing facilities, and advanced maintenance workshops aimed at improving efficiency, reliability, and passenger capacity.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Kenya Railways invited local and international investors, manufacturers, and transport industry stakeholders to participate in a high-level market sounding forum set for June 24, 2026.

The forum is expected to provide potential partners with details about investment opportunities, technical requirements, and the long-term vision for Nairobi’s expanding commuter rail infrastructure.

The planned modernization comes amid growing pressure on Nairobi’s transport system due to rapid urban population growth, traffic congestion, and increasing demand for affordable and reliable public transport.

According to transport sector reports, the government aims to position commuter rail as a key pillar of Nairobi’s mass transit system alongside road expansion projects and proposed bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors.

The World Bank-backed initiative is also expected to support local industrial development by encouraging technology transfer, job creation, and local assembly or manufacturing of railway equipment.

Kenya Railways has in recent years been working to expand commuter rail services connecting Nairobi to satellite towns including Syokimau, Ruiru, Embakasi Village, Limuru, and Ngong.

Transport experts say modernization of the rail network could significantly reduce travel times, ease congestion on major roads, and lower transport costs for thousands of daily commuters in the Nairobi Metropolitan area.