Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is facing strong criticism from residents of Ngong and Riruta following his recent remarks on the ongoing construction of the Riruta-Ngong Meter Gauge Railway line. The Senator took to Facebook to express his view that a dual carriageway would have had a more significant impact than the current railway project, a stance that has been swiftly rejected by the local community.
Senator’s Comments Spark Debate
In his Facebook post, Senator Sifuna questioned the efficacy of the railway line, stating, “Ongoing construction of the Riruta Ngong Railway line that is being undertaken by Kenya Railways despite any meaningful stakeholder engagement.” This claim has drawn the ire of residents who argue the Senator is misinformed about the project’s benefits and the transport challenges faced by their communities.
Residents Champion Rail Project
In a robust defense of the Sh8.2 billion initiative, residents highlighted the numerous advantages of the railway line. “We are telling the senator to appraise himself with exactly what is happening in this side of the city especially in relation to our transport system and the challenges that we have had,” stated Oscar Amadi, a member of the Riruta Residents Association.
Residents emphasized that the railway guarantees safety, affordability, and predictability—crucial factors often lacking in existing transport options. They also dismissed claims by some members of the Karen and Langata District Association regarding a lack of public participation, asserting that community engagement was indeed conducted.
The community further argued that simply dualing roads is insufficient to address Nairobi’s growing transport needs, stressing that railway transport plays a vital role in supplementing the existing matatu sector.
Project Aims to Transform Transport
Launched by President William Ruto in December 2023, the 12.5km Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line is designed to move 10,000 people daily.1 Commencing at the Lenana/Riruta area, the line branches off the main Nairobi-Kikuyu MGR line, traversing the Ngong Road Forest before exiting to the Southern Bypass Road in Riruta ward.
According to data from Kenya Railways, the project is expected to save commuters on the Riruta-Karen-Bulbul-Ngong route up to 50 percent of their transport budget. Beyond commuting benefits, the project has already generated significant skilled and unskilled employment opportunities for local youth.
The Riruta-Ngong section is part of the larger Nairobi Masterplan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming transport within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.3 Following its completion, the Ministry of Roads and Transport plans to extend the line to Kiserian and back to Nairobi through Ongata Rongai. This expansion into Kajiado builds on the success of other rehabilitated metre gauge lines, including Thika-Nanyuki, Longonot-Malaba, and Nakuru-Kisumu, all of which have significantly improved the movement of people and goods across the country.
