Nairobi set for rail transformation

By Staff Writer

Kenya is working with the World Bank to implement 10 key projects, including the construction of new rail lines, modernisation of maintenance facilities, improved station access roads and the expansion of commuter rail capacity across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Kenya Railways Managing Director is Engineer Philip Mainga.

In a notice, the government, through Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), said the initiative is part of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP), which focuses on improving urban mobility within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, strengthening land use planning along commuter corridors, and upgrading commuter rail services, station access roads and transit-oriented development around railway stations.

The project will also support urban policy formulation, institutional strengthening, and improvement of rail infrastructure to enhance commuter services across the capital region.

The key project activities listed include the development of the Nairobi Central Station–Thika commuter line, electrification of the Nairobi commuter railway network, and the acquisition of trainsets, including Electric Multiple Units and Diesel Electric Multiple Units.

Other activities include planning and development of transit-oriented developments along the Nairobi Central Station–Thika commuter corridor, development and equipping of maintenance workshops for Electric Multiple Units and Diesel Electric Multiple Units, and establishment of a manufacturing unit for rolling stock spare parts, permanent way fittings and fasteners.

The programme will also involve construction of prioritised access roads to commuter railway stations, including required multi-modal transfer facilities, construction of Likoni Road over the Railway Bridge and associated road approaches, development of a concrete sleeper manufacturing plant, and acquisition of maintenance rolling stock, including locomotives, ballast hopper wagons, low-sided wagons and low-loader wagons.

KRC, working with other implementing agencies and county governments within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, will spearhead implementation of the project activities.

“Procurement for the project will follow the World Bank Procurement Regulations for Investment Projects Financing (IPF) Borrowers,” reads the notice. As part of early preparation, the Corporation has invited private sector stakeholders and industry players to a consultative meeting scheduled for June 24, 2026, at the Railway

Training Institute in South B, Nairobi.

The meeting will be used to relay general information about the project, present expected procurement packages and implementation arrangements, and obtain feedback from potential vendors on the suitability and sustainability of the proposed design.

KRC also said it will seek views on procurement approaches and borrower Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) findings, indicative pricing, pricing methods, and other factors influencing cost, as well as market trends and regional differences, including other major procurements bidders may be considering that could affect capacity.

Further input will be collected on the availability of alternative goods and services, product differentiation, emerging innovations and technologies and common risks within supply chains. “The consultation will also serve as a market sounding exercise to obtain industry feedback for the preparation of Project Procurement Strategy,” reads the notice.

Stakeholders have been urged to participate in the engagement and use the meeting to ask questions and give comments on the upcoming procurement opportunity.

The key project activities listed include the development of the Nairobi Central Station–Thika commuter line, electrification of the Nairobi commuter railway network, and the acquisition of trainsets, including Electric Multiple Units and Diesel Electric Multiple Units.