LONDON, Kenya – The ambitious Nairobi Railway City project has received a significant boost under a new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership unveiled Tuesday at 10 Downing Street by President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The new 2025–2030 Strategic Partnership, which succeeds the 2020–2025 framework, outlines joint priorities for economic growth, green development, and enhanced security cooperation.
At its centre is the Nairobi Railway City (NRC) – a transformative urban redevelopment initiative poised to redefine transport and investment in Kenya’s capital.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who co-signed a new Security Compact with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, described the NRC as a “symbol of Kenya’s future,” highlighting its potential to turn Nairobi into a globally competitive investment hub.
“The Nairobi Railway City is more than a transport hub; it is a statement of ambition and partnership. Anchored around a new multimodal Nairobi Central Station, the project will seamlessly integrate commuter rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), PSV, and non-motorised transport corridors,” Mudavadi said.
The UK has committed £150 million (Ksh26 billion) towards the Railway City project, expected to generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and unlock opportunities across commercial real estate, tech innovation, hospitality, and student housing.
In the heart of London, toured the King’s Cross Railway Station, a core travel hub in the United Kingdom.We will draw lessons from the UK’s thriving system to deliver the Nairobi Railway City, a grand project that will revolutionise our public transport.
Mudavadi announced the procurement launch for the new Nairobi Central Station, calling on global investors and innovators to take part in shaping “the future of urban mobility in Africa.”
The NRC infrastructure backbone includes eight commuter rail lines and five BRT corridors currently under development, positioning Nairobi as a model for sustainable, people-centered urban growth.
The Nairobi Railway City is just one of several high-value investments set to materialize under the new partnership. Others include:
- Mobilising up to £200 million (Ksh35 billion) for climate adaptation and disaster resilience for over 3 million vulnerable Kenyans.
- Doubling bilateral trade by 2030 from the current £1.8 billion (Ksh218 billion).
- Injecting £100 million (Ksh17.8 billion) into Kenya’s digital economy, with support for over 500 start-ups.
Foreign Secretary Lammy said the partnership reflects a “modern, respectful, and innovative relationship” rooted in shared values and delivering real benefits to citizens in both countries.
“This is about building a shared future — boosting growth, creating jobs, and addressing the biggest challenges of our time, together,” Lammy said.
The new Strategic Partnership will also focus on security cooperation, tackling threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and illicit financial flows, while addressing irregular migration and enhancing regional stability.
President Ruto’s administration sees the NRC and related infrastructure projects as flagship components of its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the UK playing a key role as a trusted partner.
“This partnership illustrates what’s possible when global cooperation aligns with national priorities,” Mudavadi noted.
