President William Ruto, accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, celebrated the launch of the 12.5 Kilometre Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line—a key milestone in expanding Nairobi’s Commuter Railway Services.
The project’s goal is to transform transportation by offering accessible, affordable, and reliable options for thousands of Kenyans.
Ruto highlighted the importance of efficient transport, stating, “Expanding the Nairobi Commuter Railway Services will provide Kenyans with a convenient, affordable, and reliable way to commute, connecting them to work and economic opportunities.”
Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen explained the project’s scale, anticipating that the Riruta-Ngong railway line will transport 10,000 Kenyans daily upon completion. He emphasized financial benefits for residents along the route, foreseeing potential savings of up to 50 percent in transport budgets.
Murkomen also discussed extending the line into Kiserian and back to Nairobi through Ongata Rongai, aligning with the broader vision in the Nairobi Masterplan to enhance transportation in the metropolitan area.
The project is expected to create job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, particularly benefiting the youth.
Despite these positive developments, lawyer Donald Kipkorir expressed concerns about the impact on Nairobi’s aesthetics, cautioning against turning upscale neighborhoods like Karen into bustling markets. He questioned the planners’ decisions, emphasizing the importance of proper planning for a livable city.
In a statement, Kipkorir noted, “Turning Karen into a market could jeopardize Nairobi’s appeal as a well-planned and serene city. The ongoing rail projects, part of President Ruto’s commitment to modernize Kenya’s transport infrastructure, aim to enhance economic opportunities while addressing concerns about balanced urban development.”
