NAIROBI RAILWAY CITY PROJECT: Kenya Railways Unveils New Matatu Plan Ahead of Central Station Construction
Eight Designated Drop-Off Areas, Two Matatu Lanes Planned as Green Park Becomes Holding Area
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Railways has stepped up stakeholder engagement ahead of construction works under the Nairobi Railway City Project, briefing Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators serving Nairobi Central Station on plans to streamline matatu operations during the redevelopment.
The engagement, led by Nairobi Railway City Project Manager Milly Kiziili, brought together matatu representatives, government agencies, private-sector stakeholders and officials from the State Department for Transport to discuss operational adjustments ahead of the handover of the Central Station site to the contractor.
The meeting underscored Kenya Railways’ commitment to an inclusive and transparent implementation process while ensuring public transport services continue during construction.
Eight Drop-Off Areas Planned for Matatus
Under the proposed PSV Operations Adjustment Strategy, matatu operations currently concentrated at the front of Nairobi Central Station will be reorganised to facilitate construction while maintaining passenger access.
The plan provides for eight designated passenger drop-off areas and two lanes for matatu operations around the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station area. Green Park will serve as the designated holding area for matatu parking.
Kenya Railways said the Central Station will continue supporting passenger pick-up and drop-off services during both peak and off-peak hours, helping maintain transport connectivity throughout the construction period.
Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
The discussions also covered infrastructure interventions intended to improve passenger experience and public transport operations.
Planned measures include the installation of floodlights to improve visibility, weather-proof drainage, new road surfacing, pedestrian safety enhancements and clear lane markings.
The interventions are expected to improve movement around the station and provide a more organised environment for commuters, matatu operators and pedestrians during construction.
Passenger Capacity Expected to Rise
Upon completion, Nairobi Central Station is expected to experience a substantial increase in passenger traffic, from approximately 16,000 passengers per day to a projected 30,000 passengers per peak hour, according to the project information provided.
The development is expected to strengthen the station’s role as a major transport interchange, with continued integration of last-mile connectivity for passengers travelling to and from the facility.
Matatu Operators Back Project
Matatu representatives welcomed the engagement and expressed their commitment to working closely with Kenya Railways to support the successful implementation of the project.
The stakeholder consultations form part of preparations for the next phase of the Nairobi Railway City Project, which aims to transform the Central Station area while improving transport integration and passenger movement.
As construction approaches, commuters and public transport operators will be watching closely to see how the proposed adjustments are implemented and how effectively services are maintained throughout the redevelopment.
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