Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) are moving ahead with plans to transform Nairobi into a modern, green, and efficiently connected city. The plans are anchored on Nairobi Railway City, which is a landmark transport initiative. The partnership focuses on improving urban mobility. Also, it seeks to unlock economic opportunities for the capital. This project alongside the Mombasa Commuter Train project will boost the connectivity of Kenya city and allow easier movement and reduce traffic in Kenya’s cities.

In a statement that was shared on X on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi brought out the shared vision during a meeting that was held together with UK officials in London on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

“Kenya and the United Kingdom are advancing a shared vision to transform Nairobi. We seek to transform the city into a modern, green and efficiently connected city, anchored on the development of the Nairobi Railway City Project,” Mudavadi said.

Discussions with UK Export Finance Regarding the Nairobi Railway City Project

He elaborated that discussions with UK Export Finance were aimed at upgrading Nairobi’s commuter rail. They will also foresee the upgrade of the city’s road network drawing inspiration from successful international models.

“In London, I held constructive talks with Tim Reid, Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance, which is partnering with the Government of Kenya to upgrade Nairobi’s commuter rail and road network, inspired by the King’s Cross multimodal transport hub in the United Kingdom,” Mudavadi noted.

Procurement and Key Consultancy Roles of the Project

Mudavadi also stated that the meetings reviewed progress on procurement for key construction and consultancy roles in the Railway City Project.

“On the sidelines of the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we reviewed progress on the procurement of consultants and contractors for the construction of the Nairobi Central Station, a flagship project set to redefine urban mobility and unlock economic opportunities for the capital,” he said.

Furthermore, Mudavadi confirmed that the participation of key diplomatic representatives in the discussions. Their presence reflected the importance of the bilateral partnership.

“Joining the engagement were Ed Barnett, Acting British High Commissioner to Kenya, and Ambassador Maurice Makoloo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom,” Mudavadi added.

Nairobi Railway City Project Factsheet

Total Land Area: 425 acres (stretching from Haile Selassie Avenue to Bunyala Road).

Estimated Cost (Phase 1): $232 million.

Lead Agency: Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC).

Key Partners: Government of Kenya, UK Government (UK Export Finance), and Atkins UK (Design).

Project Vision: To expand Nairobi’s CBD and create a “Transit-Oriented Development” (TOD) that integrates rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Non-Motorized Transport (NMT).

Project Team

Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC): The primary implementing agency and land owner.

Kenya’s National Treasury: Overseeing the financing framework and counterpart funding.

Ministry of Roads and Transport: Providing strategic oversight (currently led by CS Davis Chirchir).

Nairobi City County: Coordinating urban planning and integration with city-wide services.

UK Export Finance (UKEF): Providing the Export Credit Facility (guarantees) for Phase 1 construction.

Atkins Realis (formerly Atkins UK): The lead designer for the project masterplan and the iconic Nairobi Central Station.

Howard Humphreys East Africa: A Kenyan-based engineering firm collaborating with Atkins on the transit-oriented development (TOD) designs.

Dohwa Engineering (South Korea): Contracted for the preliminary urban plans, economic feasibility, and implementation studies.

GIBB Africa: Partnered in a joint venture with Dohwa for initial urban design and land development planning.