Kenya Railways Corporation has moved to clear land for a new commuter rail station at Nyayo National Stadium and a spur line linking central Nairobi to Talanta Sports City, as the government accelerates transport preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- •The project, which will pass through parts of Kibera, has triggered evictions along the railway corridor, with authorities warning that illegal structures face demolition without further notice.
- •In a statement dated January 14, Kenya Railways said the planned works fall under the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service and are intended to ensure smooth access to key tournament venues.
- •Kenya will co-host the continental football tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The rail spur forms part of broader efforts by the government to align transport, urban planning and security logistics ahead of AFCON 2027, one of the largest sporting events Kenya has hosted in decades. Previous commuter rail upgrades in Nairobi have focused on rehabilitating existing lines, while the Nyayo–Talanta link represents a rare new urban extension tied to a fixed international deadline.
According to the railway operator, the plan includes the construction of a new station adjacent to Nyayo National Stadium and a spur line running from Nairobi Central through the Nyayo area and Kibera before terminating at Talanta Sports City.
Demolitions have already been reported along sections of the rail reserve near Lang’ata Road and the Nyayo area, drawing political and legal scrutiny as clearance operations cut through densely developed urban zones. Kenya Railways has maintained that the affected land falls within the railway reserve and is required for public infrastructure.
Matches in Kenya will be staged at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and the under-construction Talanta Sports City Stadium, while Nyayo National Stadium has been designated as a training venue due to its central location. The rail project aims to link these facilities to Nairobi Central Station, easing match-day congestion and strengthening commuter transport capacity.
Kenya Railways did not disclose the cost of the project, funding arrangements, or construction timelines. Details on procurement and completion dates are expected as tournament preparations intensify.
