Nairobi: The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has partnered with the World Bank in a project to decongest the Nairobi transport system to facilitate smooth, sustainable, and efficient flow of traffic. The Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP) targets to eliminate the frustration of traffic jams and reclaim precious hours lost on congested roads.
According to Kenya News Agency, the transformative initiative aims to enhance the Nairobi Commuter Rail Network, spanning 165 kilometers and connecting Nairobi with key counties such as Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Murang’a. Speaking on Thursday at a stakeholders meeting held at Kenya Railways Headquarters Nairobi, Eng. George Maina, the KUMIP project team leader, explained that the plan focuses on modernizing the Nairobi-Thika and Nairobi-Embakasi lines, which are projected to accommodate 1.4 million passengers daily by 2030.
‘The main focus for now is the Commuter Rail from Nairobi Central Station to Thika,’ said Maina. He elaborated that these enhan
cements will feature new battery-electric trains, upgraded stations, and better access through non-motorized transport options like walkways and integrated bus services. Moreover, the initiative highlights green mobility and transit-oriented development (TOD), striving to cut carbon emissions while improving connectivity around rail stations.
According to Maina, the project also includes strengthening institutional structures such as modernizing fare collection systems and aligning operations with international transport standards. Set to launch by April 2025, KUMIP aims to transform urban mobility, tackling congestion, environmental issues, and accessibility challenges. As stakeholders gear up for implementation, concerns about funding, timelines, and potential disruptions remain common.
Speaking at the meeting, a team leader from World Bank, Ms. Akiko Kishiue, assured sector stakeholders and industry players that World Bank is in full collaboration and cooperation in terms of funding with the Government o
f Kenya to see KUMIP a success. ‘We are still in the project presentation stage, and we will strictly follow the World Bank regulations on all finance activities,’ said Kishiue. Nonetheless, this ambitious project represents a significant step toward a smarter, greener Nairobi, bringing hope for a more promising transport future in Kenya.