Kenya Railways to Acquire 12 Acres for Riruta–Ngong Commuter Line as Expansion Accelerates

Kenya Railways to Acquire 12 Acres for Riruta–Ngong Commuter Line as Expansion Accelerates

In a bold push to decongest Nairobi’s traffic-clogged roads, the government has announced the compulsory acquisition of 12 acres of land for the Riruta–Lenana–Ngong commuter railway line.

According to a gazette notice dated July 1, the National Land Commission (NLC) confirmed the acquisition is on behalf of the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), part of a larger plan to enhance public transport in the capital.

“The National Government intends to acquire the parcels of land listed below for the construction of the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway Line Project,” the notice read.

The targeted land, measuring five hectares, is fully owned by private companies. Affected entities have been advised to submit claims for compensation, complete with land ownership documents, national IDs, and bank details.

Compensation and Documentation Demands

NLC clarified that companies must present certificates of incorporation, CR12 forms, KRA PINs, and director ID cards. All claims must be submitted during the inquiry meeting set for September 17, at the Upper Hill Chambers, 20th floor, starting 10 a.m.

“All interested parties must submit written compensation claims before or during the inquiry day,” the commission warned.

Atwoli: “We Need a New Nairobi”

While the announcement has drawn mixed reactions, COTU boss Francis Atwoli made waves during a June 22 press briefing by urging landowners to support the project.

“Landowners must not resist development. We must embrace change if we want a modern Nairobi,” Atwoli said.

He further stirred debate by suggesting even protected zones like Nairobi National Park should make way for progress.

“Even the national park must be used to develop Nairobi. Move the animals to Maasai Mara. We need space for roads, housing, and industries,” he declared.

Transport CS: Rail Project to Move 30,000 People per Hour

Backing the expansion, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir revealed on July 21 that the project is part of a broader plan to rehabilitate 165 km of commuter rail across Nairobi.

“By 2030, the network will carry up to 30,000 passengers per hour,” Chirchir said.

“We aim to connect Nairobi’s metro zone more efficiently and reduce vehicle dependence.“

Despite the urgency, concerns over land rights, compensation fairness, and environmental impact remain. Yet the government insists Nairobi must evolve—or collapse under its growing population.

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Kenya Railways to Acquire 12 Acres for Riruta–Ngong Commuter Line as Expansion Accelerates