Ruto and Sakaja Secure Ksh30B UK Deal to Transform Nairobi Railway City

President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have kicked off a renewed strategic partnership with the United Kingdom to deliver the ambitious Nairobi Railway City (NRC) Project.

The two leaders visited the iconic King’s Cross Railway Station in London, where they studied the UK’s thriving transport infrastructure.

This visit came shortly after President Ruto held high-level talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Their mission was clear—cement a deal that will inject Ksh30 billion into modernizing Nairobi’s Central Business District into a future-ready economic and transit hub.

Nairobi Railway City Project Gets Major Boost From London Visit

The Nairobi Railway City Project is set to change the face of the capital’s CBD. Backed by a fresh UK-Kenya partnership, the mega plan involves revamping Nairobi’s Central Station and creating a smart, green and inclusive economic zone that will serve more than two million people daily.

The proposed development covers 425 acres, stretching across Haile Sellassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Landhies Road and Bunyala Road. Key neighbourhoods like Muthurwa, Landi Mawe and the farmers’ market area will also see major upgrades. The NRC is not just about new tracks—it is about reimagining the future of Nairobi.

Governor Sakaja’s office emphasized that the visit to King’s Cross allowed Kenya’s leadership to understand what it takes to implement a high-capacity, people-centered railway system. This insight will guide the transformation of Nairobi’s public transit and surrounding cityscape into a livable and business-friendly environment.

What the Nairobi Railway City Will Deliver

The NRC will feature a wide range of urban infrastructure upgrades. These include:

• A modernised Central Railway Station: Designed for efficiency and safety, this will act as a multi-modal hub for trains, buses and foot traffic.
• New platforms and commuter areas: These will reduce crowding and make commuting more seamless.
• Central square and retail spaces: A new commercial centre will rise near the station, boosting small business growth and attracting investors.
• Green and pedestrian-friendly zones: Urban gardens, walkways and recreational areas will replace congestion and chaos.
• Improved accessibility: People with disabilities and senior citizens will benefit from better design, easier movement, and safe spaces.

At the heart of this transformation is the idea of giving Nairobians dignity in mobility, decent housing options, and reliable access to economic opportunities.

A Strategic Investment Backed by the UK

The project’s funding model is built around a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with significant backing from the UK government.

Originally conceptualised during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, the NRC project now enjoys new momentum under Ruto’s administration. By securing this deal in London, the current leadership is not only moving the project forward but also signaling Kenya’s readiness for global partnerships that drive real urban change.

President Ruto and Prime Minister Starmer’s meeting helped unlock this next phase, positioning Kenya as a key East African transport and trade hub. With the UK bringing in technical expertise and investment, the NRC could become a model project on the continent.

Governor Sakaja called it “a vital step in Nairobi’s evolution into a clean, green, and smart metropolis.”

Conclusion

The Nairobi Railway City is more than just a transit upgrade—it is a national vision unfolding. With UK support, President Ruto and Governor Sakaja are pushing for a bold redesign of Nairobi’s core. The stakes are high, but so is the potential. If executed as promised, this project will not only improve transport, but also redefine urban living in Kenya’s capital for generations to come.