Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has outlined plans to upgrade the 57-kilometre Nairobi Central-Thika commuter railway, with 15 stations along the route earmarked for different interventions under a World Bank-backed urban transport project.
The project will connect Nairobi's Central Business District to residential, commercial and industrial centres across Nairobi and Kiambu counties, serving commuters travelling through areas such as Dandora, Githurai, Ruiru and Thika.
According to a preliminary environmental and social impact assessment report prepared under the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP), the railway line passes through 15 stations, starting at Nairobi Central and running through Kaloleni, Makadara, Mutindwa, Kariobangi South and Dandora.
From there, according to the report seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the line will proceed to KPCU, Maili Saba, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa West, Kenyatta University, Ruiru and Kalimoni in Juja before terminating at Thika.
Passengers alighting a train at the Nairobi Central Railway Station, Nairobi, December 9, 2024.
Photo
KR
Eight stations are currently operational along the route: Nairobi Central, Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa West, Ruiru and Thika.
Four others, Kaloleni, Mutindwa, Kariobangi South and Kenyatta University, already exist but are not operational.
During the upgrade, Kenya Railways plans to add three proposed railway halts or stations at KPCU, Maili Saba and Kalimoni in Juja.
The upgrade will involve repairing railway infrastructure, modernising the planned stations and improving passenger safety and accessibility.
The project will also include access roads, cycling paths, walkways and street lighting within one kilometre of the stations to make it easier for nearby residents to access the railway without relying on private cars or motorcycles.
At the same time, the government is considering plans to modernise the entire Nairobi Commuter Rail network, including electrification and the acquisition of new trainsets, which could also benefit the 57-kilometre line.
To support operations along the line, Kenya Railways is developing a maintenance workshop at Makadara Railway Station, near the Kenya Pipeline Company headquarters, to repair, service and overhaul locomotives, passenger coaches, freight wagons and other railway equipment.
Earlier this year, the World Bank committed to injecting USD500 million (Ksh65 billion) to help revamp the 58-kilometre Nairobi-Thika Commuter Rail corridor into a modern rail system.
A section of the new SGR section of the Kisumu-Malaba section of the SGR during the launch on March 21, 2026.
PCS