Kenya Railways Announces Consultancy Services for Construction of Modern Railway Line in Nairobi

Kenya Railways has launched a new phase in transforming urban transport by announcing consultancy services for a modern railway line in Nairobi.

The plan is part of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP), funded by a Ksh86 billion World Bank loan.

It aims to overhaul the Nairobi commuter rail system, integrate advanced digital infrastructure, and provide a sustainable solution to traffic congestion.

The railway upgrade will extend beyond the city to benefit neighbouring counties, making it a significant step toward modern, efficient, and eco-friendly public transport.

The modern railway line planned by Kenya Railways represents more than just tracks and trains. It is a bold attempt to solve Nairobi’s transport crisis through innovation, inclusion, and strategic partnerships. [Photo: Courtesy]

Kenya Railways Moves Forward with Modern Railway Line under Urban Mobility Project

Kenya Railways is seeking consulting firms to provide expert services for the upcoming modern railway line in Nairobi. The request for consultancy was officially announced on Tuesday, May 20, marking a critical milestone in the ambitious Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project.

According to the agency, the consultancy phase will guide the implementation of a new commuter rail system, which will involve a comprehensive assessment of Kenya Railways’ Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure.

The project is expected to improve the commuter experience in Nairobi by streamlining transport systems, adopting smart fare collection technologies, and creating a sustainable transport alternative to the city’s congested roads.

Kenya Railways noted that interested consulting firms must have at least 15 years of experience in railway ICT operations and must have successfully completed three similar assignments in comparable environments.

The consultancy services will involve:

• A full evaluation of existing ICT systems and infrastructure
• A gap analysis of technology and policies currently in place
• Development of a digital and commuter master plan
• Alignment of Kenya Railways’ digital infrastructure with global best practices

In addition, the selected firm will be responsible for holding a national stakeholder engagement workshop. The forum will give Kenyans a platform to give feedback on the design and goals of the new commuter railway.

This step is vital to ensure the project serves the real needs of the public and is implemented transparently.

World Bank Funds to Drive Modern Urban Transport Vision

The consultancy announcement follows a major funding deal secured last year. In October, the World Bank committed Ksh86 billion for the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project, signalling strong international support for Kenya’s transport overhaul.

Part of the funds will go towards building a 58-kilometre modern railway line designed to carry thousands of passengers each day. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir emphasized the importance of the new line during a press briefing on October 8, 2024.

“This project will decongest Nairobi roads and offer a safe, fast, and affordable alternative for daily commuters. It’s a major shift in how we move people,” Chirchir said.

The rail line will make use of a vast 425-acre piece of land within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Most of the land belongs to Kenya Railways and has been underutilised for years. This makes the project not only cost-effective but also strategically placed to serve city dwellers and those coming from surrounding regions.

The project will benefit commuters in Kiambu, Kajiado, Murang’a, and Machakos counties, with completion expected by 2030.

Smart Technology and Public Inclusion at the Heart of the Project

Unlike previous rail projects, planners design the new modern railway line around cutting-edge technology and commuter needs.
Kenya Railways is placing strong emphasis on creating a digital ecosystem that simplifies fare payment, ensures security, and improves customer experience.

The consulting firm chosen will play a key role in shaping this digital backbone. A major task will be to develop a state-of-the-art fare collection system that is efficient, transparent, and easy for commuters to use.

This will reduce leakages, boost revenue, and eliminate the frustrations of long queues and cash-based transactions.

The requirement to host a national stakeholder workshop reflects the government’s aim to make the project inclusive. Commuters, civil society, businesses, and experts will have a chance to weigh in on the planning process.

Kenya Railways believes that incorporating public views will create a sense of ownership and ensure the railway line truly meets commuter needs.