This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
Published on October 2, 2019, commuters on the Nairobi-Thika route are set to benefit from the introduction of new commuter trains, aimed at easing traffic congestion on the highway, especially during peak hours.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development has procured commuter trains that will make regular stopovers at newly constructed substations of Mwiki, Githurai, and Ruiru every 30 minutes, according to PS Charles Hinga.
Speaking at the launch of the first phase of the Sh500 million multi-storied Githurai Market, Mr. Hinga emphasized the importance of the mass transit system in creating new business opportunities for the local community.
"We injected Sh360 million to construct the Githurai link between Thika road and the Githurai railway substation. With this mass transit system in place, we will be creating more business opportunities where our people will be able to visit market centres and head home with ease," he said.
The fresh produce wholesale market, which sources food supplies from other centres, is expected to benefit from the new commuter trains, as thousands of residents in the locality also shop in Githurai.
Other markets under construction, including Ruiru and Kikuyu, have also been connected to the commuter railway being implemented under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Project.
