Kenya, France Sign Sh13 Billion Nairobi Commuter Rail Upgrade Deal

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Nairobi’s transport system is set for a major overhaul after Kenya secured an Sh13 Billion deal to modernise rail links connecting the capital to Ruiru, Embakasi, Syokimau and Kikuyu, while extending network to Ngong through Riruta.

Kenya and France signed eleven bilateral agreements ahead of the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi, targeting transport, logistics, digital infrastructure, renewable energy and education as both governments seek deeper economic cooperation and regional investment opportunities.

The commuter rail rehabilitation programme will upgrade Line Five corridors serving Nairobi’s rapidly expanding metropolitan population, easing congestion along major highways while improving connections between residential suburbs, industrial zones, airports and commercial districts.

President William Ruto said the project formed a central pillar within Kenya’s wider urban transport modernisation agenda, supported through financing from the French Development Agency and broader cooperation between Nairobi and Paris.

“Among the key agreements signed today is the rehabilitation and modernisation of the 83 million euro Nairobi Commuter Rail,” Ruto said, describing the investment as critical for improving mobility, productivity and environmental sustainability within Nairobi.

The agreement accompanies another planned investment worth about 800 million dollars targeting logistics and port infrastructure, alongside financing arrangements supporting climate services, nuclear energy cooperation, sustainable aviation fuel production and fisheries development initiatives.

Kenyan officials also advanced negotiations covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital public services and data systems, positioning Nairobi as an emerging regional technology hub supported through partnerships linked to Konza Technopolis and the Digital Superhighway.

“Kenya is building a dynamic digital economy that is driving innovation, competitiveness, and regional integration,” Ruto said, while outlining plans to strengthen digital infrastructure, laboratory systems, health preparedness and technical training through French-backed programmes.

The leaders additionally committed support for higher education and engineering training, including implementation of a 35 million euro University of Nairobi Engineering and Science Complex alongside equipment upgrades benefiting four Kenyan universities.

Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron further discussed expanding direct air connectivity between Kenya and France, arguing that improved passenger capacity and cargo routing would strengthen tourism, trade flows and agricultural exports into European markets.

Officials said stronger aviation links would reinforce Nairobi’s position as a regional logistics centre while supporting Kenya Airways operations and facilitating exports including flowers, seafood and fresh produce destined for high-value European consumers.

Kenya and France also reaffirmed commitments toward climate action, multilateral cooperation and reforms within global financial institutions, with both governments advocating fairer access to development financing for African economies confronting mounting infrastructure demands.

The summit marked the first Africa-France gathering hosted outside France or a Francophone African country in more than five decades, reflecting Kenya’s expanding diplomatic influence and efforts to position Nairobi as a continental investment convenor.

“We view this summit as a turning point towards a more balanced, action-oriented, and results-driven Africa-France partnership,” Ruto said, expressing confidence that agreements signed in Nairobi would accelerate investment, innovation and economic cooperation across Africa.

Construction on the Riruta-Ngong extension line is already underway, with Kenyan authorities expecting upgraded commuter services to reduce travel delays, lower transport costs and improve daily commuting experiences for thousands of Nairobi residents.