Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday revealed that Kenya Railways was constructing 13 new stations within the Nairobi Metropolis.
Speaking during a visit to the stations under construction, Murkomen stated that the 13 stations including one in Kitengela and Kenyatta University (KU) would be completed by October 1, 2024.
The other new stations are set to be opened in Mlolongo, Lukenya, Mutindwa, Kariobangi, Gitambaya (Ruiru), Aviation and Kibera.
Other stations set to be opened are located in Satellite, Mutuini, Thogoto, and Gitaru.
According to the CS, the new stations are part of the plans by the Ministry to reduce traffic within the Nairobi Metropolis and help revamp the railway sector.
"The Ministry has set a deadline of September this year to complete the construction of 13 new commuter rail stations in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area to reduce traffic congestion, curb carbon emissions, and ensure free movement of people within the Metropolis.
"This initiative, supported by our development partners, seeks to offer cheaper, seamless and more convenient means of transport for the residents of the Nairobi Metropolis," he stated.
Further, he added that the government was aiming to increase the number of railway users by over 100,000 this financial year.
Murkomen added that the government would also be streamlining the ticketing system to prevent further leakages and raise revenue for Kenya Railways.
Additionally, Kenya Railways was also undertaking major improvements of the passenger wagons to meet the modern-day needs of travellers.
"The expansion and modernisation of our railway system which is part of the larger mass rapid transit development initiative, will increase rail passenger traffic from the current 20,000 to 120,000 this financial year alone, and half a million passengers by 2027," he added.
Meanwhile, the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) which extends from the Mombasa SGR Terminus to Mombasa Old Town will also be completed and commissioned later in the year.
