Kenya Railways Corporation has begun clearing land for a new commuter rail station at Nyayo National Stadium and a spur line connecting central Nairobi to Talanta Sports City, as the government ramps up transport preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The project, which will pass through parts of Kibera, has led to evictions along the railway corridor, with authorities warning that unauthorised structures will be demolished without further notice. In a statement on January 14, Kenya Railways said the works are part of the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service and aim to provide smooth access to key tournament venues. Kenya will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The rail spur is part of broader efforts to coordinate transport, urban planning, and security ahead of one of Kenya’s largest sporting events in decades. While previous commuter rail upgrades in Nairobi focused on refurbishing existing lines, the Nyayo–Talanta link represents a rare new urban extension tied to a fixed international deadline.
Plans include a new station next to Nyayo National Stadium and a line running from Nairobi Central through Nyayo and Kibera before ending at Talanta Sports City. Demolitions have already occurred along sections of the rail reserve near Lang’ata Road and the Nyayo area, drawing political and legal attention, though Kenya Railways says the land is part of the railway reserve needed for public infrastructure.
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Matches in Kenya will be held at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and the under-construction Talanta Sports City Stadium, with Nyayo National Stadium serving as a central training venue. The rail link aims to connect these sites to Nairobi Central Station, easing match-day congestion and boosting commuter capacity.
Kenya Railways has not yet revealed the project’s cost, funding, or construction schedule, though more details are expected as preparations for the tournament intensify.
