Kenya Railways has highlighted ongoing plans to strengthen rail connectivity to Nairobi’s major sporting venues, outlining a proposed railway link that would connect Nairobi Central Station with the Talanta Sports City development through Nyayo Stadium.
The update comes amid renewed scrutiny over Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with infrastructure and transport among the key areas expected to support the tournament.
According to Kenya Railways, the proposed connection is intended to provide an efficient public transport option for sports fans, athletes and event personnel while improving movement to and from major venues during large sporting and entertainment events.
The project would involve upgrading 13.3 kilometres of the existing railway line between Nairobi Central Station and Satellite. Kenya Railways also plans to construct a 1.3-kilometre second line between Kibera and Satellite, which would serve a proposed Talanta Stadium Train Station.
Two new commuter stations are also proposed as part of the plan, at Talanta Stadium and Laini Saba. The railway infrastructure would further include pedestrian overpasses and underpasses at Kibera, Laini Saba, Gatwekera and Kambi Muru, designed to provide safer access to the railway and improve connectivity for communities along the route.
The planned rail connection is particularly significant for Talanta Sports City, which is being developed as one of Kenya’s major sports infrastructure projects and is expected to play a role in the country’s preparations for hosting AFCON 2027.
Kenya Railways says the connection will complement Nairobi’s wider urban transport system and increase the contribution of rail to the capital’s growing sports, entertainment and events economy.
The latest communication also puts the spotlight on the broader infrastructure requirements surrounding AFCON 2027. While stadium readiness remains a central part of the preparations, transport infrastructure will be equally important in ensuring fans and tournament stakeholders can move efficiently between accommodation areas, training venues, stadiums and other event facilities.
The proposed railway link therefore represents another piece of the infrastructure puzzle as Kenya continues preparations for the continental tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
With fresh international reports questioning the readiness of the three East African hosts, the progress of projects such as the Talanta Stadium rail connection will likely remain under close observation as the tournament approaches.
