Sakaja’s Sh1trillion subway plan triggers ‘fix the basics’ fury
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s ambitious plan to build a nearly Sh1 trillion underground metro railway has triggered skepticism and anger among residents, with critics dismissing the proposal as a public relations stunt meant to distract from the city’s worsening basic services.
Irate Nairobians said the proposed metro has become a symbol of the widening gap between City Hall’s grand promises and the daily reality confronting residents.
They pointed to pothole-riddled roads, blocked drainage systems, uncollected garbage and malfunctioning streetlights as evidence that the county has yet to get the basics right.
Sakaja unveiled details of the Nairobi Metropolitan Mass Rapid Transit System (NMRTS) while appearing before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations.
Estimated at about Sh1 trillion ($7.78 billion), the proposed project would feature a 30-kilometre underground railway connecting the Central Business District to Eastlands, Westlands and Upper Hill.
Sakaja says the project would move commuters underground, ease congestion and help transform Nairobi into a “20-minute city”.
The county says the underground CBD section would form the backbone of the system, integrating rail transport with pedestrian walkways, non-motorised transport facilities and transit terminals.
The Eastlands corridor is expected to serve one of Nairobi’s busiest commuter routes and reduce travel times for thousands of passengers.
But the announcement has been met with fierce criticism online and in the streets, with residents questioning why City Hall is pursuing a multi-billion-shilling mega-project when it continues to struggle with basic urban services.
“This is just insane. Drivers routinely destroy their suspension systems on crater-filled roads along major roads across Nairobi. How can a city unable to manage rainwater be able to keep an underground subway from flooding? Fix what you can see first! And then you can dream later,” Robert Gachugu said on X.
Esther Waigwe accused the governor of prioritising spectacular projects over essential services.
“Sakaja should focus on essential duties such as unblocking storm drains, collecting garbage, and installing working streetlights before attempting engineering feats that rival London or Tokyo!” she wrote.
James Kamau similarly questioned the priorities of City Hall, citing garbage accumulation in Pipeline, blocked drainage trenches and poor road conditions.
The backlash intensified as residents recalled repeated flooding during rainy seasons, when inadequate and ageing drainage infrastructure leaves roads submerged and neighbourhoods cut off.
