Nairobi-Talanta Railway Line Set For December 15 Completion Ahead Of Bayern-Ajax Clash

Kenya’s railway connection to the Raila Odinga International Stadium is expected to be ready by December 15, 2026, giving football fans a new transport option ahead of the January 5 friendly between Bayern Munich and Ajax.

Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar announced the deadline during an inspection of ongoing railway works on Tuesday, November 10, alongside Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga.

The project involves upgrading the Nairobi commuter rail network and constructing a connection through Kibera to Talanta Sports City.

The link is expected to ease access to the new stadium while reducing reliance on road transport during major sporting events.

Daghar said the service would accommodate approximately 1,500 passengers per trip, with multiple journeys planned to handle the expected movement of spectators.

The upgraded railway is also expected to reduce travel time between Nairobi Central Business District and Talanta to approximately 15 minutes.

Trains will operate along a 13.3-kilometre corridor, with stations serving areas around Nyayo Stadium, Mbagathi, Kibera and Talanta.

The construction includes replacing old steel sleepers with concrete alternatives to strengthen the tracks, improve stability and reduce maintenance requirements.

Drainage improvements and the construction of a branch line connecting Kibera Station to Talanta are also part of the works.

Additional safety measures include pedestrian overpasses and underpasses at several points along the railway corridor.

Mainga said the investment would serve Nairobi residents beyond the high-profile football fixture by improving the reliability of commuter rail services and providing an alternative to road travel.

The railway project forms part of Kenya’s wider preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

The January encounter between Bayern and Ajax is expected to mark the official opening of the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium.

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