Kenya Railways to Continue with Demolitions in order to Clear Way for AFCON 2027 Railway Line
In a late-night operation shrouded in controversy, Kenya Railways demolished several business premises, including properties linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, to reclaim land for a critical railway project tied to the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The demolitions occurred along Douglas Wakiihuri Road, near Nyayo National Stadium, on the night of Tuesday, January 13, continuing into the early morning hours under heavy police guard. Affected establishments included a car yard, a restaurant, a car wash, and various small businesses.
The state corporation has issued a stark warning that this is only the beginning. In a statement on Wednesday, January 14, Kenya Railways reaffirmed its commitment to clearing encroachments on its corridor, stating that any unauthorized structures will be “demolished and removed without further notice and at the encroacher’s risk and cost.”
This aggressive push is directly linked to Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027, which it will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda. To accommodate the international event, Kenya Railways plans to construct a new railway line and a station adjacent to Nyayo National Stadium—a venue designated as a training centre for the tournament due to its strategic location.
The proposed line will stretch from Nairobi Central Station, through the Nyayo Stadium area and Kibera, to the Talanta Stadium, another key tournament venue. “This line will guarantee commuters a safe, reliable and affordable transport option, thus ensuring ease of movement,” the corporation announced, emphasizing the project’s role in delivering an efficient transport system for the games.
The corporation maintains it issued prior notices to all entities occupying the railway corridor, advising them to vacate ahead of the planned evictions. “Kenya Railways noted that it had already begun the process of evicting remaining encroachers and repossessing all land identified for the development,” its statement read.
However, the demolition of properties connected to a sitting governor has brought significant political undertones to the infrastructure drive. While the government frames the action as a necessary step for national development and international obligation, it raises questions about compensation, due process, and the impact on small business owners caught in the path of progress.
As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, the government’s resolve to upgrade infrastructure appears unwavering, setting the stage for potential further confrontations as Kenya Railways moves to reclaim its land across Nairobi.
