Nairobi Plans Underground Railway from CBD to Eastlands Under New City Transport Vision

The Nairobi City County Cabinet has approved plans for the development of an underground railway line linking the Central Business District (CBD) to Eastlands, marking a major step in the city's long-term strategy to modernise public transport and ease traffic congestion.

The proposal, approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, forms part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (NIUPLAN), a long-term blueprint aimed at transforming the capital into a more efficient, sustainable and commuter-friendly city. The underground rail system is intended to provide a high-capacity transport alternative for thousands of commuters travelling daily between the CBD and densely populated eastern neighbourhoods.

According to the county government, the project is expected to complement existing transport infrastructure, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, commuter rail services and planned non-motorised transport networks. Officials say integrating different modes of transport will help reduce congestion, cut travel times and improve mobility within the city.

Beyond the underground railway, the Cabinet also approved several urban renewal initiatives under NIUPLAN, including expanded road infrastructure, improved drainage systems, affordable housing developments and the creation of more public spaces to support Nairobi's growing population.

While the underground railway has received Cabinet approval, county officials noted that the project remains at the planning stage. Feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, funding arrangements and approvals from the national government will be required before construction can begin.

If implemented, the railway would be one of Nairobi's most ambitious transport projects and could significantly reshape how residents move around the city, particularly between the CBD and Eastlands, one of Nairobi's busiest commuter corridors.