Kenya has announced significant progress toward the development of a modern metropolitan mass rapid transit system designed to address chronic traffic congestion and improve mobility across Nairobi. President William Ruto said the initiative represents a major step in transforming transportation infrastructure within the capital, emphasizing that an integrated public transit network will support economic growth, enhance efficiency, and improve the daily commuting experience for millions of residents. The proposed project is intended to reduce travel delays while providing a more reliable and sustainable transportation system for one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
According to the President, Nairobi City County has granted the required approvals for the first phase of the initiative, which includes the construction of an approximately 30-kilometer underground railway connecting densely populated neighborhoods in Eastlands with the Central Business District. The initial phase is expected to include 25 stations strategically positioned to improve accessibility for commuters and strengthen connections between residential and commercial areas. Government officials believe the investment will help meet the transportation demands of a rapidly expanding urban population while supporting long-term economic development.
The broader vision extends beyond the underground railway by establishing a multimodal transport network that combines metro services with bus rapid transit and commuter rail operations. Officials estimate that the integrated system will serve nearly five million Nairobi residents who collectively make more than twelve million daily journeys across the metropolitan area. The project is expected to improve connectivity, reduce road congestion, and encourage greater use of public transportation as part of Kenya’s urban modernization agenda.
President Ruto said the mass rapid transit system offers “the right solution to the traffic congestion and gridlock affecting our capital city and its surrounding areas,” adding that the project reflects the government’s commitment to building efficient infrastructure capable of supporting future economic and population growth. The President made the remarks after receiving a progress briefing at State House Nairobi from officials led by Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir described the project as an important milestone in strengthening Kenya’s transportation infrastructure, stating that coordinated planning between national and county governments is essential to delivering a modern, efficient, and sustainable transit network. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting implementation, noting that improved public transportation will enhance mobility, stimulate investment, and contribute to a higher quality of life for residents across the city.
