Kenya Railways Corporation has started clearing land for a new commuter rail station at Nyayo National Stadium and a new spur line connecting Nairobi Central Station to Talanta Sports City ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The project is part of the government’s wider push to upgrade Nairobi’s transport infrastructure before Kenya co-hosts AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Evictions reported along rail corridor
Authorities have already begun demolition and clearance operations along sections of the railway reserve near:
- Kibera
- Lang’ata Road
- Nyayo Stadium area
Residents and businesses occupying sections of the rail corridor have been warned that illegal structures could face demolition without further notice.
The evictions have already triggered political and legal scrutiny due to the dense urban settlements affected by the project.
New rail line to connect key AFCON venues
According to Kenya Railways, the project includes:
✅ A new commuter rail station next to Nyayo National Stadium
✅ A new spur rail line from Nairobi Central Station
✅ Rail access through Kibera and the Nyayo area
✅ Final connection to Talanta Sports City
The rail extension is expected to improve movement between Nairobi’s major AFCON venues and reduce heavy match-day traffic congestion.
Which stadiums will host AFCON matches?
Kenya is preparing multiple venues for the continental tournament:
- Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani — Match venue
- Talanta Sports City — New main tournament stadium under construction
- Nyayo National Stadium — Designated training venue
The new commuter rail system is intended to link these facilities directly to Nairobi Central Station.
Government yet to reveal project cost
Kenya Railways has not yet disclosed:
- Total project cost
- Funding model
- Contractor details
- Procurement plans
- Construction completion timeline
More details are expected as AFCON preparations intensify over the coming months.
🚦 What this means for Nairobi commuters
The rail project could significantly reshape transport movement in Nairobi if completed before AFCON 2027.
Expected impact:
- Reduced road congestion during major events
- Faster movement between CBD and stadium zones
- Increased use of commuter rail services
- Possible expansion of future urban rail infrastructure
Immediate concerns:
- Forced evictions near rail reserves
- Traffic disruption during construction
- Legal disputes over demolitions
- Community resistance in affected areas
The Nyayo–Talanta rail spur marks one of Nairobi’s rare new urban rail expansions in recent years. Unlike previous commuter rail projects focused mainly on rehabilitating old lines, this extension is tied to a strict international deadline under AFCON 2027 preparations.
If completed on time, it could become a long-term transport legacy project beyond the tournament itself.
