Nairobi County has released a phased implementation timeline for the Nairobi Underground Railway, detailing how the proposed network would be rolled out from 2026 to 2063.
The plan details the project’s immediate priorities over the next two years, with the rollout of the first phase scheduled from 2026 to 2035, followed by the expansion of the network in five phases through to 2063.
Under the Phase I implementation plan, the project will begin with planning and preparation between 2026 and 2027, including securing approvals, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
The second stage, scheduled for 2028 to 2029, will focus on completing detailed engineering designs and achieving financial close by December 2028.
Construction is expected to take place between 2030 and 2032, although the roadmap indicates that civil works, including tunnels and viaducts, are expected to begin in the second half of 2028 and be completed by June 2032.
Testing and commissioning will follow throughout 2033, with full system integration and safety certification targeted for completion by December that year.
Commercial operations are expected to begin in January 2034, followed by system optimization between 2034 and 2035.
How It Looks in Summary:
Phase I Implementation Timeline (2026–2035)
| Period | Phase | Key Activities & Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 2026–2027 | Planning & Preparation | • July 2026: Cabinet approval and project kick-off • Strategic planning, approvals and stakeholder engagement |
| 2028–2029 | Detailed Design & Financing | • December 2028: Financial close • March 2029: Detailed design completed • PPP agreement and utility relocation planning |
| 2030–2032 | Construction & Delivery | • December 2030: Construction reaches 50% completion • June 2032: Civil works (tunnels, viaducts and stations) completed • Rolling stock manufacturing and delivery |
| 2033 | Testing & Commissioning | • December 2033: System testing and safety certification completed • Integration of power, signalling and ICT systems |
| 2034–2035 | Operations & Optimization | • January 2034: Commercial operations begin • Revenue service operations, monitoring and system optimization |
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The county has also published a detailed 24-month action plan covering the period from 2026 to 2027 to prepare the project for implementation.
Between July and December 2026, the county plans to secure Cabinet approval, establish the NMRTS Steering Committee and confirm financing and Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
In the first quarter of 2027, authorities will align the project with the Integrated Transport Plan and begin planning for land acquisition.
The second quarter will focus on approving preliminary engineering designs and finalizing the PPP structure and transaction plan.
By the third quarter of 2027, the county expects to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a PPP Transaction Advisor while identifying pilot Transit Oriented Development (TOD) sites.
The final quarter of 2027 will involve shortlisting PPP bidders and approving the detailed Project Implementation Plan.
Short-Term Milestone Timeline (2026–2027)
| Quarter | Timeline Focus | Specific Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Q3–Q4 2026 | Institutional Setup | Cabinet approval of NMRTS Phase I; establish the Steering Committee; confirm financing and PPP approach |
| Q1 2027 | Planning Integration | Approve alignment with the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP); begin land acquisition planning; approve Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Land Value Capture (LVC) policy |
| Q2 2027 | Design & ESIA | Approve preliminary design; finalise Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) scoping report; finalise PPP structure and transaction plan |
| Q3 2027 | Procurement Initiation | Issue Request for Proposals (RFP) for a PPP Transaction Advisor; identify pilot TOD sites; prepare a detailed work plan and budget |
| Q4 2027 | Partner Commitment | Shortlist PPP bidders; approve the detailed Project Implementation Plan; secure commitments from development partners |
Also Read: Ruto Endorses Nairobi’s First Underground Railway Project
Beyond the initial rollout, the county government has proposed a five-phase expansion strategy running from 2026 to 2063.
The first phase will deliver the Central Business District underground network and the Eastlands corridor by 2030. Phase II, running from 2030 to 2035, will extend services to Kiambu and Juja.
Between 2035 and 2045, Phase III will add the Kikuyu and Lang’ata corridors, while Phase IV, scheduled for 2045 to 2055, will include the Airport Corridor, the northern and southern Outer Ring routes and the CBD–Dandora corridor.
The final phase, planned for 2055 to 2063, will complete the network through extensions to Shauri Moyo–Kayole and Donholm–Embakasi, with the system expected to reach full maturity by 2063.
Long-Term Network Expansion (2026–2063)
| Phase | Timeline | Major Corridors |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I | 2026–2030 | CBD Core (Underground) and Eastlands Corridor |
| Phase II | 2030–2035 | Kiambu Corridor and Juja Corridor |
| Phase III | 2035–2045 | Kikuyu Corridor and Lang’ata Corridor |
| Phase IV | 2045–2055 | Airport Corridor, Outer Ring (North & South), and CBD–Dandora Corridor |
| Phase V | 2055–2063 | Shauri Moyo–Kayole Corridor, Embakasi Extension, and system integration |
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