By Hope Barbra
The government on Monday night demolished illegal structures along the Nairobi–Kikuyu railway corridor to pave way for the rehabilitation of the metre gauge railway line and the construction of a mini station at Strathmore.
The operation targeted structures around Nyayo Stadium that had encroached on Kenya Railways land, obstructing ongoing rehabilitation works. The planned Strathmore Mini Station is expected to serve Nairobi West residents and enhance mobility within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
The railway rehabilitation project, supported by the World Bank, covers the Nairobi–Mombasa metre gauge line. Of the 23 planned mini stations, 21 have already been completed, with construction of the Madaraka and Strathmore stations set to begin following the clearance of encroachments.
During the demolition exercise, a high-end car wash and properties linked to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi were brought down after being found to have encroached on the railway reserve. Several vehicles left overnight at the car wash were also destroyed in the operation.
Sources told Western Insight that Governor Wamatangi had been issued with multiple eviction notices but failed to comply, delaying the rehabilitation works and construction of the Strathmore Mini Station.
Scenes of distress were witnessed at the site as affected car owners broke down after discovering their vehicles destroyed. Heavy police presence was deployed to secure the area as business owners counted losses.
The demolition exercise is expected to extend towards Ngong Hills to facilitate the construction of a railway link line connecting Kibera Station to Talanta Stadium.
