Kenya and France have signed a major €83 million agreement, equivalent to about Ksh 12.5 billion, aimed at modernising and rehabilitating the Nairobi Commuter Rail system in a move expected to improve urban transport and ease traffic congestion within the capital and surrounding towns.
The agreement targets the upgrade of Line 5 and several critical railway corridors connecting Nairobi to satellite towns including Syokimau, Embakasi, Ruiru, and Kikuyu.
The project will also cover the Riruta–Ngong rail line while planned future extensions are expected to reach Thika as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen public transport infrastructure around Nairobi Metropolitan.
Officials say the modernisation programme is designed to improve efficiency, reliability, and capacity within the commuter rail network, which has continued experiencing increasing pressure due to rapid urban growth and rising commuter numbers.
Once completed, the upgraded railway system is expected to transport up to 30,000 passengers per hour, significantly reducing pressure on major roads leading into Nairobi.
The project is also expected to provide relief to thousands of commuters who spend long hours in traffic congestion daily while travelling between Nairobi and neighbouring towns.
The commuter rail upgrade forms part of broader plans aimed at improving mobility within the Nairobi Metropolitan region through investment in modern, efficient, and affordable transport systems.
Transport experts have previously pointed to railway expansion as one of the key solutions to Nairobi’s persistent traffic challenges, especially along busy corridors serving rapidly growing residential areas.
The inclusion of towns such as Ruiru, Kikuyu, Syokimau, and Embakasi is expected to benefit large numbers of workers, students, and business people who rely on daily transport into the city.
Planned expansion towards Thika is also likely to support future urban growth and improve connectivity between Nairobi and surrounding counties.
The partnership between Kenya and France further reflects growing international collaboration in infrastructure development projects aimed at improving transport and economic productivity.
The government has continued prioritising transport infrastructure upgrades as part of efforts to support economic growth, reduce travel time, and improve the quality of life for urban residents.
Residents and commuters are now expected to benefit from faster, safer, and more reliable railway services once the project is completed.
The rail modernisation initiative comes at a time when Nairobi continues experiencing rapid population growth, increasing demand for efficient public transport systems, and mounting pressure on existing road networks.
Officials say the project will play a major role in transforming urban mobility and reducing congestion across the Nairobi Metropolitan area.
