The electrification of the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) network is a proposed urban transit blueprint designed by the Kenya Railways Corporation to phase out aging diesel locomotives, scale up passenger capacity and curb traffic congestion.
Envisioned under the KSh 65 billion Kenya Urban Mobility Improvement Project funded by the World Bank, the proposal lays out a long-term transition toward a modern, lower-emission fleet. The plan details the future acquisition of both fully electric trains and Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs).
The blueprint prioritizes heavily congested commuter corridors to maximize economic and social impact putting the 58 Km stretch between Nairobi Central Station and Thika at the forefront of the primary phase. The project will include installation of overhead catenary systems, establishing specialized charging networks, upgrading old signaling and building dedicated maintenance depots.
The plan is currently in its foundational and preparatory phase but it is expected to be fully completed and operational by 2030.
