The ongoing notices issued by Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) to several property owners along Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway have sparked public debate, particularly after two prominent churches were mentioned among structures earmarked for possible demolition.
However, officials and planning documents indicate that there should be no public misconception about the exercise, which is part of a long-planned national infrastructure project.
The affected properties lie within land reserved for the Nairobi Railway City Project, a Sh28 billion urban renewal initiative aimed at transforming the Nairobi Central Railway Station into a modern, integrated transport and commercial hub.
The project, which has been in planning for several years, is expected to ease congestion in the city, improve commuter rail services, and support Nairobi’s long-term urban development.
Importantly, Kenya Railways maintains that the churches and other affected entities have long been aware of the project. Stakeholder engagements, public notices, and government planning disclosures over the years have consistently identified the railway reserve as public land earmarked for expansion and redevelopment.
As such, the current enforcement phase is not a sudden or arbitrary move.
Contrary to claims circulating on social media, Kenya Railways has emphasized that it is following the law and due process.
Eviction notices have been issued, giving occupants time to vacate and, where applicable, seek legal redress.
The corporation has also noted that demolition only follows after notices lapse and all legal avenues have been observed.
Kenya Railways officials argue that issuing notices before any demolition demonstrates restraint and adherence to the rule of law, especially when compared to past infrastructure projects that faced criticism for abrupt evictions.
The corporation insists that no structure is being targeted on religious, political, or personal grounds, but purely on the basis of land ownership and public interest.
As Nairobi continues to grapple with congestion and outdated transport infrastructure, the Railway City Project is seen as a flagship development for the capital.
Kenya Railways says clearing encroachments on the railway reserve is essential for the project’s success and for safeguarding public land.
Ultimately, the corporation maintains that the process underway is about orderly development, transparency, and respect for the law, and not an attack on institutions or individuals.
