Updated September 15, 2025– The Nairobi Metropolitan Integrated Transport System (NMiTS) is a comprehensive, government-led initiative to overhaul urban mobility in the greater Nairobi area. The system’s core components include the development of a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). This will feature a network of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors with dedicated lanes and high-capacity buses. Also, it entails the expansion and modernization of the Commuter Rail network. Additionally, the plan emphasizes the creation of safe and well-planned Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) infrastructure. These infrastructure include dedicated walkways and bicycle paths. The project’s ultimate goal is to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, enhance the quality of life for residents, and establish a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport ecosystem that supports Nairobi’s growth as a major economic and diplomatic hub.
The Government of Kenya secured $.1.7 billion (Ksh219 billion) for Phase 1 of the Nairobi Metropolitan Integrated Transport System. Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi engaged with the representatives of the G7 and Kenya’s development partners to review the progress of priority pilot programmes that are aimed at easing congestion along the Nairobi’s Metropolitan area transport corridor.
Furthermore, the integrated transport system includes the Nairobi Railway Central Station project supported by two bus rapid transit (BRT) lines, commuter lines and the standard gauge railway link that will run from Syokimau to Nairobi Central Station. Additionally, integrated transport system will transport an average of 30,000 people per hour by 2030.
Nairobi Metropolitan Integrated Transport System Project Factsheet
Key components (Mass Rapid Transit System – MRTS):
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors:
- A total of five BRT corridors have been gazetted.
Current status:
- Line 2 (Simba) located on Thika Superhighway is currently undergoing infrastructure upgrades.
- Line 3 (Chui) is in the advanced planning stages. The detailed designs for Phase I are complete.
- Other lines are in various stages of development, including Line 1 which is alongside the Nairobi Expressway and Line 4 supported by funding from the African Development Bank.
- Also, specific lines like Dandora to Hospitals, Mama Lucy to Kikuyu, and Ruiru to the CBD are also in planning.
Commuter rail retwork:
Current Status:
- The Nairobi Central Railway Station is being upgraded as a “first mover” project of the Nairobi Railway City initiative.
- The goal is to move about 30,000 people per hour by 2030 via the Nairobi Railway Central Station.
- 165 kilometers of existing commuter rail lines will underg rehabilitation. There are new connections that are being actively planned such as the Riruta–Ngong–Kiserian–Ongata Rongai line.
Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) infrastructure:
- It entails the development of world-class infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists e.g., walkways, bicycle paths.
- Recognizes NMT as a dominant mode of transport in Nairobi. Almost with nearly 50% of daily trips in Nairobi are made by walking and cycling.
Progress:
- Mandatory inclusion of NMT components in all new and improved roads.
- Initiatives like the “Kazi Mtaani” project and the Nairobi Missing Link Roads and NMT Facilities Project are addressing NMT infrastructure.
- Also, a Nairobi NMT Policy has been adopted. It foresees the allocation of 20% of the road construction budget for NMT investment.
Also read: Kenya’s Government Partners with World Bank in the 165-Kilometer Nairobi Rail Expansion Plan
Commencement Date
Construction of the project is expected to start by the end of 2025. It is expected to be complete by 2027.
Additionally, the Prime Cabine Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed the commitment of the government to decongest Nairobi City. He said that once the project is complete, users will experience safer and more efficient transport solutions.
Phase 1 of the project has a resource mobilization target of the end of September with a funding gap of Ksh283 billion.
Phase 1 Cost
“The total cost of the pilot phase 1 project is estimated at $3.9 billion. However, we have only managed to secure a funding of $1.7 billion. This is approximately 44% 0f the total funding with a government counterpart financing of $389 million. Therefore, this leaves a financing gap of $2.2 billion for the success of this phase of the prioritised projects,” Mudavadi said.
Lastly, the strategic transport initiatives are designed to improve mobility and enhance accessibility. Also, they promote a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
