The Nairobi CBD–Eastlands Metro Line is an approved high-capacity railway planned to connect central Nairobi with Eastlands. It forms the second major component of Phase I of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System alongside the circular CBD underground line, but it is not yet operating.

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Project overview

Nairobi County approved the Eastlands Line as part of Phase I in 2026. It is intended to provide direct high-capacity public transport between the CBD and some of Nairobi’s most densely populated eastern neighbourhoods. Railway News

Proposed route

The broad route can be presented as:

Nairobi CBD → Eastlands → Kayole

Possible neighbourhoods within the corridor include areas around:

• Muthurwa
• Makadara
• Jogoo Road
• Jericho
• Buruburu
• Donholm
• Umoja
• Kayole

However, the final alignment and station locations have not been officially published in sufficient detail. Metros should label these as possible corridor areas rather than confirmed stations.

Is the Eastlands Metro operating?

No. Existing transport between Nairobi CBD and Eastlands is provided by matatus, buses, commuter rail services and other road transport.

Project-status notice: The Nairobi CBD–Eastlands Metro has been approved for phased development but is not yet open to passengers. The final route, stations, construction schedule and opening date may change.

Reported line length

Published railway reports currently give different figures:

• International Railway Journal reports a 20-kilometre Eastlands Line running to Kayole.
• Railway Gazette describes a 13-kilometre, mostly elevated Eastlands Line.

Until detailed engineering documents are released, Metros should avoid presenting either figure as permanently settled. International Railway Journal, Railway Gazette International

Connection with the CBD underground loop

The Eastlands Line is expected to interchange with the planned circular underground railway serving central Nairobi.

Nairobi CBD Circular Underground Metro
Approved underground loop planned to serve Upper Hill, KNH, Parliament, City Hall, Railways, University Way and Museum Hill.

This interchange would allow passengers arriving from Eastlands to continue to different parts of central Nairobi without completing the journey by road.

Potential Railway City interchange

The Nairobi Central, Railways and Muthurwa area could become an important multimodal interchange connecting:

• The Eastlands Metro Line
• The CBD underground loop
• Nairobi Commuter Rail
• The Nairobi SGR link train
• Nairobi Railway City
• Jogoo Road matatus
• Landhies Road services
• BRT and feeder buses

Final interchange plans must still be confirmed.

Eastlands areas that could benefit

The line is intended to serve a high-demand commuter corridor containing large residential and commercial communities.

These should not be represented as confirmed metro stations.

Existing matatu routes to Eastlands

Until the metro opens, commuters can use the established Eastlands matatu network.

Route 19/60 — Kayole / Komarock
Via Jogoo Road, Donholm and Umoja towards Kayole and Komarock.

Route 35/60 — Umoja
Via Jogoo Road, Donholm, Tena and Mutindwa towards Umoja.

Route 58 — Buruburu
Via Jogoo Road and Makadara towards Buruburu.

Route 61 — Kayole
Provides another connection between Nairobi and Kayole.

Route 1960 — Kayole / Komarock
Via Donholm, Umoja and Spine Road towards Kayole and Komarock.

View Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers

Metro and matatu integration

The completed line is expected to work best when integrated with feeder buses, matatus and safe walking routes.

Each confirmed station should eventually include:

• Matatu routes serving the station
• Feeder-bus destinations
• Walking distance to nearby stages
• Boda boda and taxi areas
• Accessibility information
• Park-and-ride facilities
• Transfer guidance
• First and last train times

Expected commuter benefits

If completed, the Eastlands Line could:

• Reduce journey times between Eastlands and the CBD
• Ease pressure on Jogoo Road
• Move more passengers than conventional road transport
• Provide predictable travel during peak periods
• Improve access to jobs and services
• Reduce traffic-related emissions
• Integrate Eastlands with the CBD underground loop
• Support development around stations

These are expected benefits rather than currently available services.

Development process

Before trains can operate, the project must move through:

1. Public and stakeholder consultations
2. Detailed engineering and station design
3. Financing arrangements
4. Land and utility planning
5. Procurement
6. Construction
7. Systems installation and testing
8. Safety certification
9. Phased passenger opening

County authorities have indicated that public consultations and coordination with transport stakeholders will precede construction.

Fares and schedules

No official passenger fares, train frequencies or operating hours have been announced.

Metros should not publish:

• Estimated metro fares
• Unconfirmed station names
• Projected departure times
• Claims that construction has started
• A guaranteed opening date

Current Eastlands alternatives

Master-page entry

Nairobi CBD–Eastlands Metro Line — Approved Project
Approved high-capacity metro corridor planned to connect Nairobi CBD with Eastlands and the wider Kayole area. The final alignment and stations remain subject to detailed design, and the line is not yet operating. Current connections are available through the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide.