Allegations have surfaced that close associates of Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga are poised to improperly benefit from lucrative consultancy and feasibility study contracts related to the Nairobi city rail network upgrade, potentially siphoning off millions of shillings.
Sources suggest that influential figures, including individuals with ties to State House and relatives of senior officials, have secured these multi-million, potentially billion-shilling tenders within Kenya Railways. This corruption-ridden entity is planning to rehabilitate and expand its 139-kilometer Nairobi railway network, an initiative intended to improve urban public transportation.
Mr. Mainga has reportedly been actively involved in facilitating initial payments for these deals, even as concerns arise that the upgrade project might be delayed.
Two companies reportedly linked to the Managing Director’s inner circle are allegedly slated to receive over Ksh 450 million for consultancy and feasibility studies.
The planned project aims to increase daily commuter capacity from 20,000 to 100,000 by expanding the network from 35 to 53 stations, including key transit hubs.
The feasibility study and preparation phase for the Nairobi Urban Mobility Improvement Project (KUMIP) is projected to last 24 months starting in April 2025.
Kenya Railways is also reportedly commencing preparations for engineering design and construction bidding documents for the commuter network, station access facilities, and related infrastructure, initially focusing on selected stations along the Thika line.