The Kenya Railways Corporation has revealed the details of the proposed Ksh30 billion Nairobi Railway City project, which is to sit on a 438-acre plot of land in the central business district.
On Monday, October 19, Kenya Railways officials met with stakeholders from the public and private sectors for a validation workshop of the railway city project.
During the meeting, Kenya Railways confirmed that the multi-billion shilling project will have six development zones, including West Core, Front and Back Central Station and Market Core.
Other precincts include a zone dedicated to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) and Affordable Sustainable Housing.
A proposed plan of the Nairobi Railway City unveiled by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday, March 13, 2020.
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Of the 438 acres, affordable housing units have been allocated the largest share, taking up to 112 acres of land.
The project is financed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with the UK government expected to fund the project at an estimated cost of Ksh30 billion.
Central Station Front
According to Kenya Railways, the central station front is the heartbeat of the entire development.
The zone features a state-of-the-art multi-modal Central Railway Station, seamlessly integrating SGR, MGR, BRT and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) infrastructure.
It will also be surrounded by public open spaces, cultural conservation areas, office and retail developments and civic leisure zones.
Central Station Back
This zone will feature high-density commercial development and mixed-use buildings that support enterprise, logistics and civic services while maintaining walkability and access.
MICE Core precinct, on the other hand, will have spaces for global conferences and will contain convention centres, hotels, public plazas, and iconic architecture suited for events of national and international stature.
The West Core, on the other hand, will blend education, innovation, and enterprise.
Kenya Railways states that the zone will feature student housing, cultural institutions, innovation labs, co-working spaces, and performance venues, positioning it as a launchpad for youth-driven growth and cultural expression.
Beyond housing and commercial development, the project aims to improve movement within Nairobi by linking different forms of public transport.
The proposed transport network includes commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and non-motorised transport, including walking and cycling.
The plan seeks to improve connections between the railway station and other parts of the city while reducing reliance on vehicles.
According to Kenya Railways, the project is intended to expand Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), ease congestion and create a sustainable urban environment that integrates housing, business and transport.
The project also includes a 15,000-seat indoor arena, which will host sporting events, concerts, conferences and cultural programmes, forming part of a wider mixed-use entertainment district.
A proposed plan of the Nairobi Railway City unveiled by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday, March 13, 2020.
File