Talanta Stadium Railway Line Set for December Completion Ahead of Major Football Match

The government has announced a firm deadline for completing the railway connection between Nairobi Central Station and Talanta Sports City, with the new transport link expected to be operational before a major international football match in January 2027.

Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar said construction of the 13.3-kilometre railway line would be completed by December 15, 2026, paving the way for its use during the January 5 friendly match between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax.

Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing works, Daghar said the project would also improve transport arrangements ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for July.

The railway connection is expected to reduce travel time between Nairobi’s Central Business District and Talanta Sports City to approximately 15 minutes.

According to the PS, trains will operate at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour, offering football fans an alternative to road transport when attending matches and other events at the stadium.

The ministry is targeting the movement of 1,500 passengers every 10 minutes during the January fixture. Trains will operate in both directions at 10-minute intervals to facilitate the arrival and departure of spectators.

The railway line will feature four stations strategically positioned along the route. These will be located near Nyayo Stadium, Mbagathi, Kibera and Talanta Sports City, with Kibera serving as the main interchange station.

The project involves extensive rehabilitation of an existing railway corridor that has been in use for more than 100 years. Works include replacing old steel sleepers with concrete alternatives, improving drainage and constructing an additional railway spur connecting Kibera Station to Talanta Sports City.

Kenya Railways is also developing pedestrian bridges and underpasses in Kibera, Laini Saba, Gatwekera and Kambi Muru to improve safety for residents accessing areas around the railway.

A protective wall will also be installed along sections of the railway corridor as part of the broader infrastructure improvements.

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/129277-ministry-sets-december-15-deadline-talanta-stadium-railway-line

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