Uproar as Karen Residents Reject Construction of New Railway Line

Kenya Railways’ plans to construct a railway line connecting Ngong Town to Riruta has sparked jitters among a section of residents in the Karen suburbs. 

In a letter sent to the Karen and Lang’ata District Association, Kenya Railways said the planned construction of the railway line was at the preliminary design stage.

Additionally, Kenya Railways stated that it was undertaking studies to assess the environmental impacts of the project, adding that it was working on a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Project beginning November 2023.

As such, the state corporation affirmed its commitment to engaging with all stakeholders in the course of the project.

However, the assurance was not enough as a section of residents of the affluent suburb voiced their reservations against the planned construction. 

City lawyer Donald Kipkorir was among the people who commented on the plans in a statement on his X account.

The Project Would Breed Informal Structures

In his statement, Kipkorir expressed concerns stating that such a project would risk breeding informal structures in the neighborhood.

In his own words, the lawyer said that Kenya Railways’ move would turn “Karen into a Muthurwa Market” making indirect reference to the rise of unplanned structures in parts of Nairobi. 

Further, Kipkorir took issue with the project’s impact stating that it was likely to affect the ratings of Nairobi as a livable city. 

According to him, Kenya has a vast landmass where such expansion projects would be executed without necessarily turning upmarket neighborhoods into slums. 

“After turning Karen Town, a once quaint & beautiful suburban town into Ongata Rongai with unregulated Matatus & kiosks, Kenya Railways now wants to turn the entire Karen into a Muthurwa Market!” he wrote.

“At this rate, entire Nairobi will be turned into a big slum & will lose its diplomatic luster. Kenya is 600,000 sq km with enough space for expansion,” he added.

Urban Planning Expert Gives Thoughts on Karen Railway

Likewise, Loyd Thuranira- a Urban Planning expert- weighed into the discussion decrying that most plans in Kenya have been executed without involvement of planning experts. 

“Unfortunately, the Urban Planners’ opinions in this country are not regarded,” he said.

“Most Transportation and Housing plans are formulated and executed without involving Urban Planners. Planners only wish that they can play central roles,” Thuranira noted.

Also Read: Runda, Kitisuru Among Suburbs Where House Prices Have Dropped

However, some of the Kenyans commenting on the post supported the project stating that it would help to grow the economy. 

“This is progress, and it projects growth in the economy.

“The economy is not only structured as per the standards of the affluent. That rail line will enable affordable movement of employees who are non-affluent to offer their skills to you and your neighbors,” a user named Francis Sang said.

Also Read: Why Karen Residents are not Pleased with Parliament

Planning Concerns in Nairobi Suburbs

The Karen and Lang’ata residents had written to the Kenya Railways requesting for information regarding the planned expansion of a railway line.

Nonetheless, this was not the first-time residents in Nairobi suburbs complained against rise of structures in their neighborhoods.

Furthermore, Kilimani residents have often hit headlines complaining against the growth of high-rise apartments in the neighborhood.

As per past complaints, the rapid development of structures without proper planning would be a recipe for disaster in the future in terms of sanitation and other amenities.