Residents of Karen have demanded detailed feasibility reports before further consultations on the proposed Riruta-Ngong meter-gauge railway, questioning its cost, design, and effects on properties.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

During a public participation meeting held at the area chief’s office on August 26, residents sought clearer information on whether the railway would effectively address local transport challenges.

Some residents argue that expanding roads along the proposed corridor could ease congestion, especially for people unlikely to use the metre-gauge stations planned along the railway stretch as opposed to building the 12.5-kilometer railway.

Additionally, if the railway is to pass through Karen, they are demanding transparency in the details on how it would connect with existing and proposed infrastructure around Ngong, including expected passenger numbers once operations begin.

📌 What You Need to Know

“We are sorry. Please go back to your bosses. If and when this is a pre-feasibility test, it would be nice if we had representatives from all other stakeholders of this project,” stated one resident.

A raft of concerns on the table are aspects touching on noise pollution, economic effects, and possible disruption to homes and neighbourhoods, as flora and fauna emerged as key concerns among residents living along the proposed corridor.

In response, the Kenya Railways Environmental Officer, Consolata Kioko, said the project had already entered the construction phase, with critical measures already in place to reduce the disruption during implementation.

These measures, she said, included joint collaboration with the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA), as well as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).

“So I'm talking about people from the Land Commission, I am also talking with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority and NAMATA. All the stakeholders need to come and agree that this is the best course of action for the infrastructure instead of focusing on just one,” stated Kioko.

She further stated that public participation and sensitisation meetings would continue throughout the project, with Kenya Railways expected to engage communities and address concerns raised during consultations.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke