MotoSeen Africa
    Kenya & UK Fast-Track Sh30B Nairobi Railway City Project
    Seen Kenya

    Kenya & UK Fast-Track Sh30B Nairobi Railway City Project

    In a high-level strategic meeting in London, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and UK Export Finance (UKEF) CEO Tim Reid have finalized the next procurement milestones for the Nairobi Railway City. This Sh30 billion ($270 million) flagship project is set to transform 425 acres of Nairobi’s CBD into a world-class, multi-modal transit hub modeled after London’s iconic King’s Cross.

    SY

    SHAHID YAKUB

    March 12, 2026  ·  2 min read

    The transformation of Nairobi’s "Green City in the Sun" into a 21st-century smart metropolis has moved into the execution phase. Following discussions on March 10, 2026, Kenya and the United Kingdom have agreed on the immediate procurement steps for lead consultants and contractors to break ground on the Nairobi Central Station—the architectural and logistical centerpiece of the project. Backed by UK Export Finance, the Nairobi Railway City is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Africa. The development is designed to solve the capital’s chronic congestion by integrating: The New Central Station: A futuristic hub featuring 9 platforms, capable of processing 30,000 passengers per hour. Multimodal Integration: Seamless links between the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Commuter Rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, and dedicated cycling/pedestrian paths. Commercial "City within a City": The 425-acre site will house a 5-star hotel, Grade-A international office spaces, and a modern retail precinct. Airport Link: A direct high-frequency rail connection to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs—5,000 during the intensive construction phase and 5,000 permanent roles within the new commercial district. Why This Matters Urban Decongestion: By centering transport around a single "Mega-Hub," the project aims to reduce CBD traffic by 40% and slash commuter transit times. Economic Catalyst: The redevelopment unlocks the value of underutilized land in the city center, attracting FDI and domestic institutional investors like pension funds. Sustainability: Designed by AtkinsRéalis, the city features "Green Building" certifications, utilizing solar energy and advanced rainwater harvesting to mitigate Nairobi’s climate risks. Opportunity Sector Commercial Real Estate, Green Building Technology, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Urban Logistics, Retail & Hospitality. Follow @MotoSeenAfrica for more updates on business, trade, investments, opportunities and economic growth across Africa. Moto Seen Africa — Africa’s View, Seen Clearly. #NairobiRailwayCity #UKKenyaPartnership #UrbanRenewal #SmartCity #KenyaInfrastructure #MusaliaMudavadi #NairobiCentral #MotoSeenAfrica
    SY

    SHAHID YAKUB

    Seen Africa Newsroom