The ministry identifies track stability, durability and operational efficiency as the reasons for replacing steel sleepers with concrete sleepers. Drainage improvements form part of the same works.
The connection is intended to serve the wider commuting public as well as passengers attending events at Talanta and Nyayo stadiums. Daghar has linked the investment to integration between commuter rail and bus rapid transit corridors.
- Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport issued an update on 10 November 2026 on the Nairobi–Kibera–Talanta commuter railway works.
- Construction began in September 2026, with completion targeted for 15 December.
- Approximately 21,600 concrete sleepers are to replace existing steel sleepers, alongside drainage improvements.
- A new connection will run from the existing commuter network through Kibera to Talanta Commuter Rail Station.
- The planned service will use eight-coach diesel multiple-unit trains with capacity of approximately 1,500 passengers per trip.
- The ministry puts planned speeds at up to 60km/h and the journey from Nairobi’s central business district to Talanta at approximately 15 minutes.
Kenya is targeting 15 December 2026 to complete the Nairobi–Kibera–Talanta commuter railway works, according to a Ministry of Roads and Transport update issued on 10 November. Construction began in September and is proceeding around the clock ahead of the Bayern Munich–Ajax FC football match scheduled for 5 January 2027 at the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The work includes replacing existing steel sleepers with approximately 21,600 concrete sleepers, improving drainage and constructing a connection from the existing commuter network through Kibera to Talanta Commuter Rail Station. The ministry says concrete sleepers are intended to improve track stability, durability and operational efficiency.
The connection will improve access to both Talanta and Nyayo National Stadiums.
The upgraded line is expected to support speeds of up to 60km/h and a journey of approximately 15 minutes between Nairobi’s central business district and Talanta Commuter Rail Station. The planned service will use eight-coach diesel multiple-unit trains, with a capacity of approximately 1,500 passengers per trip. Multiple trips are planned for the January fixture, alongside service for the wider commuting public.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip J. Mainga inspected the Nairobi–Limuru commuter line upgrade and the Nairobi–Kibera–Talanta construction works on 10 November. The ministry says concrete sleepers are intended to improve track stability, durability and operational efficiency.
