Nairobi Set For First Underground Rail Line, Eastlands Announced As Flagship
Nairobi County has approved plans for the city’s first underground train line from the Central Business District (CBD) to Eastlands as part of its attempts to improve public transportation.
Governor Johnson Sakaja presided over the 90th County Executive Committee meeting, where the approval was granted.
The committee approved the implementation framework for the first phase of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS).
The first phase will comprise an underground rail core through the CBD as well as the Eastlands Line, which will connect the city’s important commuting routes.
Nairobi approves first underground railway as city moves ahead with mass transit plans
Nairobi County has approved the implementation framework for the first phase of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS), paving the way for the capital’s first underground… pic.twitter.com/DyYQM8B3O3— Geno Insights | Analysis (@GenoInsightsKe) July 22, 2026
“By integrating an underground CBD core with high-capacity links to Eastlands, we will unlock Nairobi’s economic potential, lower the cost of transport and build a cleaner, greener and world-class city,” Sakaja said on Wednesday, July 22.
The project is projected to improve transportation linkages between Eastlands and the city center, benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
According to the county government, the underground railway will help reduce traffic congestion on roads by providing a high-capacity public transport alternative.
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The approved framework indicates that the underground CBD section will feature integrated transit terminals linking rail services, pedestrians and non-motorised transport.
Officials said the project will help reduce travel times, lower transport costs and support economic activity in the city.
Additionally, the initiative is also expected to create jobs during construction and operations while supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Sakaja said the approval marks a move from planning to implementation, following technical collaboration between the county and the Executive Office of the President.
He added that planning for the second phase of the NMRTS is already underway, with proposed extensions to Westlands, Ngong Road and Lang’ata to serve commuters from Ongata Rongai, Ngong and the western areas of Nairobi.
The county said it will begin conducting public participation forums and engage transport stakeholders ahead of the project’s official groundbreaking.
Nairobi Set For First Underground Rail Line, Eastlands Announced As Flagship
It would help if the feasibility and technical plans would be shared with the people including route and survey maps and estimated budgetary allocations and who will be funding the project. While long overdue, this seems more of another promise prior to an election then a project to benefit the people.