Nairobi could be on the verge of a major transformation in its public transport system if plans for a Sh1 trillion underground metro railway move from paper to reality, with Governor Johnson Sakaja arguing that the ambitious project could provide a long-term solution to the capital’s worsening traffic crisis.
Speaking before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, Sakaja unveiled plans for the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS), a 30-kilometre underground metro network expected to connect the Central Business District (CBD) with Eastlands, Westlands and Upper Hill.
The governor said the project is designed to shift thousands of commuters from overcrowded roads into a modern transport network that would reduce travel times and improve movement across the city.
“Moving commuters underground is the ultimate solution to Nairobi’s traffic challenges and will help create a 20-minute city,” Sakaja said.
According to the county government, the underground CBD section will serve as the backbone of the project, linking rail services with pedestrian pathways, non-motorised transport and modern transit terminals.
The Eastlands corridor, one of Nairobi’s busiest commuter routes, is expected to benefit significantly by providing faster and more reliable transport options for thousands of daily passengers.
If implemented, the project would become the first underground metro system in East, West and Southern Africa, placing Nairobi among a small group of African cities with advanced urban rail networks. Currently, metro systems on the continent are found mainly in Egypt and Algeria.
However, the proposal has sparked a national debate over Nairobi’s development priorities. While supporters see the metro as a necessary investment for a growing city, critics argue that basic services should be addressed before pursuing a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project.
Some residents have questioned whether the county government can successfully construct and maintain underground tunnels when challenges such as flooding, poor drainage, garbage collection and damaged roads remain unresolved.
Urban experts have also raised concerns about implementation, pointing to previous transport projects such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which faced delays despite significant investment.
Despite the criticism, Sakaja maintains that feasibility studies conducted with international development partners show that underground infrastructure is achievable in Nairobi.
The governor says the project represents a long-term vision to modernise the capital’s transport system and prepare the city for future population growth.
For many Nairobi residents, however, the debate remains centred on balancing ambitious future projects with immediate challenges affecting their daily lives, including road conditions, drainage failures and unreliable public services.
