Kenya Railways has unveiled plans to deploy electric trains on the Nairobi commuter rail system as part of the Ksh65 billion Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP).
This significant initiative forms part of the government’s strategy to enhance transportation across Nairobi and neighboring counties through the development of a contemporary rail network with support from the World Bank.
A primary element of the program involves electrifying the Nairobi Commuter Railway Network, which will enable the introduction of advanced electric passenger trains.
“The government of Kenya, in collaboration with the World Bank, will finance the execution of the Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP),” Kenya Railways stated.
“The project aims to enhance urban mobility within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and promote land use planning along specified commuter corridors.”
These and Murang’a, facilitating travel to towns including Dagoretti, Karen, Embakasi, Ruiru, Thika, Kikuyu, Ngong, Bulbul, Kitengela and Syokimau.
Kenya Railways indicated that in addition to procuring electric trains, the organization intends to acquire Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) to facilitate the expansion and modernization of commuter rail services.
The electric trains will deliver quicker travel times, higher passenger capacity, and lower carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel-powered locomotives.
Beyond the trains, the project will fund the construction of station access roads and multi-modal transport facilities to improve passenger connections between rail and road transportation.
The corporation also intends to establish maintenance workshops for the new train fleet and cultivate local capabilities to manufacture railway spare parts and infrastructure components.
Another major infrastructure development involves constructing the Likoni Road railway bridge and related road approaches to enhance connectivity throughout Nairobi.
The project additionally includes establishing a concrete sleeper manufacturing plant and procuring specialized maintenance rolling stock necessary to support railway operations.
According to Kenya Railways, the initiative is anticipated to foster sustainable urban development along the commuter corridors.
To begin implementation, the organization has invited private sector stakeholders and industry representatives to a consultation meeting on June 24, 2026, at the Railway Training Institute in South B, Nairobi.