How Nairobi’s Underground Railway Will Be Built From 2026 to 2063

Nairobi County has released the implementation plan for the proposed Nairobi Underground Railway, showing how the ambitious transport project will be developed over the next several decades.

According to the roadmap, planning activities have already started in 2026, while the main construction work is expected to begin in 2030. If everything goes according to plan, passenger train services will start operating in January 2034.

Planning Stage Underway

The first stage of the project, running from 2026 to 2027, focuses on preparing the railway for construction.

During this period, the county government plans to secure approvals, engage stakeholders, establish a project steering committee and complete strategic planning.

Officials will also begin planning for land acquisition and align the railway project with Nairobi’s transport development plans.

Engineering Design and Financing

Between 2028 and 2029, attention will shift to detailed engineering designs and raising funds for the project.

The county aims to complete financing arrangements by the end of 2028 before finalising the railway’s detailed designs in 2029.

Authorities will also complete environmental assessments and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreements before construction starts.

Construction to Begin in 2030

Actual construction is expected to take place between 2030 and 2032.

This phase will include building underground tunnels, railway stations, viaducts and other major infrastructure needed for the system.

At the same time, trains and other railway equipment will be manufactured and delivered.

Passenger Services Expected in 2034

After construction is completed, the railway system will undergo testing throughout 2033 to ensure it meets safety standards.

Commercial passenger services are expected to begin in January 2034.

The county will then spend the following two years monitoring operations and improving the system where necessary.

County’s Short-Term Plan

Over the next two years, Nairobi County plans to:

• Obtain Cabinet approval for the project.
• Establish the NMRTS Steering Committee.
• Finalise financing and Public-Private Partnership agreements.
• Complete environmental and engineering studies.
• Begin procurement for key project partners.
• Prepare land acquisition plans.
• Approve the final implementation plan.

Railway Network to Expand in Five Phases

The underground railway will not be built all at once. Instead, it will be expanded in phases over nearly four decades.

The first phase will connect Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) with Eastlands.

The second phase will extend the railway to Kiambu and Juja.

The third phase will add routes serving Kikuyu and Lang’ata.

The fourth phase will introduce the Airport Corridor, the northern and southern Outer Ring routes, as well as the CBD-Dandora line.

The final phase will complete extensions to Shauri Moyo, Kayole, Donholm and Embakasi, with the entire network expected to be completed by 2063.

What This Means for Nairobi

If implemented as planned, the underground railway is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve public transport and make travel across Nairobi faster.

However, the project still depends on securing funding, completing approvals and meeting construction timelines before the proposed completion dates can be achieved.

Click to join our WhatsApp Channel

Click to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates.