This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
Kenya's commuter train service is set to launch on the Nairobi-Thika route, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion on the highway, particularly during peak hours.
According to Charles Hinga, the Principal Secretary at the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the newly procured commuter trains will make regular stopovers at the newly constructed substations of Mwiki, Githurai, and Ruiru every 30 minutes.
On October 3, 2019, Mr. Hinga launched the first phase of the Sh500 million multi-storied Githurai Market, which is expected to create new business opportunities and linkages.
"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," Mr. Hinga said.
The commuter train service is part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Project, which aims to improve transportation and reduce congestion in the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Other markets under construction, including Ruiru and Kikuyu, will also be connected to the commuter railway.
