Ngong and Riruta Residents Defend Railway Project, Emphasize Benefits
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is facing a wave of backlash from residents of Ngong and Riruta following his recent remarks criticizing the ongoing construction of the Riruta-Ngong Meter Gauge Railway line. The Sh8.2 billion project, launched by President William Ruto in December 2023, is part of a broader effort to modernize Nairobi’s public transport infrastructure.
In a Facebook post, Senator Sifuna questioned the project’s value, suggesting that a dual carriageway would have had a greater impact than the railway. He also criticized the Kenya Railways Corporation for allegedly proceeding with the project “despite any meaningful stakeholder engagement.”
His comments have drawn sharp criticism from local residents, who argue that the Senator is misinformed and out of touch with the transportation challenges they face.
“We are telling the Senator to appraise himself with exactly what is happening on this side of the city, especially regarding our transport system and the challenges we have endured,” said Oscar Amadi, a representative of the Riruta Residents Association.
Community Defends Rail as Key Solution
Residents rallied in defense of the project, citing safety, affordability, and predictability as key benefits of the new railway line. They dismissed concerns from some members of the Karen and Langata District Association about inadequate public participation, insisting that community engagement had indeed taken place.
The residents also argued that building more roads alone cannot solve the city’s traffic and congestion problems. Instead, they said, a multimodal transport system that includes rail is essential to meet the growing population’s needs and support the overburdened matatu sector.
Project Set to Serve Thousands Daily
The 12.5-kilometer rail line is designed to move up to 10,000 commuters daily, significantly easing the burden on the Riruta-Karen-Bulbul-Ngong route. Originating in the Lenana/Riruta area, the line branches from the Nairobi-Kikuyu MGR corridor, cutting through the Ngong Road Forest and reconnecting with the Southern Bypass Road.
Kenya Railways estimates that commuters using the line could save up to 50% of their daily transport costs. The project has also created both skilled and unskilled job opportunities for local youth, contributing to economic upliftment in the region.
The Riruta-Ngong rail link forms part of the larger Nairobi Transport Masterplan, which aims to expand and integrate public transport options across the metropolitan area. Future plans include extending the line to Kiserian and looping it back to Nairobi through Ongata Rongai, building on the success of rehabilitated routes like Thika-Nanyuki, Longonot-Malaba, and Nakuru-Kisumu.
As debate continues, the clash between policy priorities and community needs highlights the broader conversation around Nairobi’s future transport landscape.
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