Kenya Railways: Encroachers were notified ahead of demolitions for AFCON 2027 rail projects

The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has defended ongoing demolition and eviction operations along key railway corridors in Nairobi.

In a statement released Wednesday, KRC said all encroachers were issued notices in advance to vacate land earmarked for new commuter rail developments, part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The government is undertaking multi-modal transport projects in line with Kenya’s joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania to host the continental football tournament.

Kenya will host matches at Talanta Sports City Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while Nyayo National Stadium will serve as a central training venue.

To support the efficient movement of fans, athletes, and officials, plans include constructing a railway station adjacent to Nyayo National Stadium and a spur line running from Nairobi Central Station through the Nyayo Stadium area and Kibera to Talanta Sports City Stadium.

KRC said the project aims to provide a “safe, reliable, and affordable commuter link” to the venues.

The statement noted that the developments require repossession of railway land currently occupied by private businesses and informal structures.

Notices were issued to allow individuals and entities to vacate voluntarily.

“To this end, all encroachers were advised and issued with notices in good time to vacate the railway corridor to pave way for construction of the station and spur line,” KRC said.

The corporation added that demolition of illegal structures would continue and that any property remaining within the corridor would be removed at the owner’s risk and cost.

The repossession has drawn attention after the demolition of properties along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, off Langata Road. Excavators and bulldozers, accompanied by police officers, moved into the area on Wednesday morning, removing semi-permanent structures and seizing vehicles and other property.

Affected businesses included a car yard, a car wash facility, and a restaurant. Debris remained on site, and sections of Douglas Wakiihuri Road were temporarily blocked, disrupting movement.

Nairobi police chief George Seda said officers were deployed to support KRC in reclaiming the land.

“The management says they notified the owner of the property to vacate, but there was resistance. We came in to help in the demolition,” he said, noting that no injuries were reported.

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi criticised the demolitions, calling them an “act of cowardice” and alleging that government offices were being used to intimidate him.

“Stop using government offices to ruin me. This is intended to silence me and remove me from my development agenda,” he said.

Kenya Railways did not comment directly on the dispute but reiterated that notices had been properly issued as part of the broader AFCON infrastructure plan.

Preparations for AFCON 2027 have prompted transport and stadium upgrades across the region as host countries work to meet international standards.

The government says the Nairobi commuter rail system will play a key role in easing congestion and managing crowd movement during the tournament.