Kenya Railways has defended ongoing demolitions along sections of the Nairobi railway corridor, insisting that all encroachers were issued with adequate notice before enforcement action was taken to pave the way for critical infrastructure projects linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement on January 14, 2026, the corporation said the demolitions are part of preparations under the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service to support Kenya’s co-hosting of AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
“Following a successful bid to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the Government of Kenya is making requisite preparations to host a successful tournament,” Kenya Railways said.
According to the corporation, Kenya will host matches at Talanta Sports City Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while Nyayo National Stadium will serve as a training venue due to its central location within Nairobi.
Kenya Railways said an efficient transport system is essential to the successful hosting of the continental tournament, particularly to ensure smooth movement of fans, teams and officials to and from match venues.
“One of the key initiatives being undertaken includes provision of an effective transport solution that will ensure easy access to and from the venues of the soccer event,” the statement read.
As part of this plan, the government intends to construct a new railway station adjacent to Nyayo National Stadium and develop a railway spur line from Nairobi Central Station through the Nyayo Stadium area and Kibera to Talanta Sports City Stadium.
“This line will guarantee commuters a safe, reliable and affordable transport option, thus ensuring ease of movement,” Kenya Railways said.
However, the project has necessitated the clearance of land along the railway corridor, prompting demolitions of structures deemed to be illegally erected on railway reserves.
Kenya Railways said affected occupants had been engaged early and issued with notices well in advance.
“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,” the corporation said.
Kenya Railways added that it is currently in the process of repossessing all land identified for the project and that the evictions are being carried out in line with this objective.
“Kenya Railways is in the process of evicting all encroachers as we repossess all the land that has been identified for the above-mentioned development,” the statement said.
The corporation issued a warning that enforcement action would continue against any remaining illegal developments along the corridor.
“Any illegal structures or property found on the corridor will be demolished and/or removed without further notice and at the encroacher’s risk and cost,” Kenya Railways said.
The state agency said the project is not only aimed at meeting AFCON 2027 transport requirements but is also expected to enhance the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service and deliver long-term benefits to city residents.
Kenya Railways maintained that the demolitions are lawful and necessary, reiterating that sufficient notice was given and that the developments are in the public interest as part of national preparations for a major international sporting event.
This comes after businesses operating along Douglas Wakihuri Road behind Nyayo Stadium were reduced to rubble in a dawn operation carried out under heavy police guard, cutting off the livelihoods of dozens of youths who depended on the site for daily income.
Mechanics, car washers, carpet cleaners, shop attendants, and other workers were left stranded after bulldozers flattened the premises, destroying structures and vehicles parked inside.
The demolished property belongs to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who had days earlier moved to court seeking protection against what he described as threats of eviction and demolition.
In documents filed at the Milimani Commercial Magistrates’ Court, the governor stated that the land belongs to Kenya Railways but that he has occupied it legally under a lease spanning more than two decades.
"Throughout this period, the Applicant has duly paid rent which has been consistently received and/or acknowledged by the 1st Respondent (Kenya Railways Corporation), thereby affirming a valid and subsisting tenancy under which the Applicant has established and continuously operated a business on the premises with the knowledge and acquiescence of the 1st Respondent," the petition adds.
According to the filing, Wamatangi argued that regular rent payments had been made and accepted throughout the lease period, confirming the existence of a lawful tenancy.
