Kenya Railways aims to complete the stadium rail connection by December 15, 2026.
Kenya Railways is upgrading the commuter route to improve stadium access, with trains set to carry 1,500 passengers per trip.
Kenya Railways aims to complete the Talanta rail link by December 15, 2026, ahead of a major football fixture. Bayern Munich and Ajax FC are scheduled to play on January 5, 2027.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar announced the deadline during an inspection on Tuesday. Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip J. Mainga also joined the visit to the Nairobi-Limuru Commuter Railway Line.
The agency has accelerated construction of the Nairobi-Kibera-Talanta station Metre Gauge Railway connection. Meanwhile, the Nairobi-Limuru upgrade is expected to improve access to the new stadium.
Talanta rail link to carry 1,500 passengers per trip
Daghar said trains would carry 1,500 passengers per trip once operations begin. He also said the service would offer multiple trips to help football fans reach the venue.
The work includes replacing steel sleepers with concrete ones for greater durability and better track stability. Concrete sleepers also require less maintenance, supporting the wider effort to improve commuter services.
Daghar said the upgraded route would enhance travel between Nairobi Central Station and Limuru Station. In addition, the government plans to upgrade other sections of the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service network to improve mobility.
Mainga said the improvements seek to give Nairobi residents faster, safer and more reliable transport options. He added that the line would ease access to Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The rail service would also offer an alternative to road transport, particularly during major events, Mainga said.
