High Court Stops Riruta-Lenana-Ngong Rail Amid Calls for Cost and Funding Clarity

By Dawan Africa - Reporter

Kenya, 20 January 2026 - The High Court has issued a temporary halt to the construction of the Sh11 billion Riruta-Lenana-Ngong metre gauge railway commuter line, pending the full hearing of a petition lodged by Senator Okiya Omtatah along with two co-petitioners.

In seeking the suspension, Senator Omtatah, Bernard Muchiri, and Naomi Misati argued that the government would face no hardship or prejudice if the project is paused until the court determines the main case.

The court previously instructed all respondents in the matter to submit their replies before the 20 January 2026 hearing on the application for interim orders.

The petitioners accuse the government and the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) of advancing the project without openly revealing its complete and precise cost, the funding origins, or obtaining necessary approval from Parliament.

They further contend that no adequate public consultation or participation was carried out prior to starting work on the initiative.

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This development follows closely after Kenya Railways demolished buildings within the railway corridor near Nyayo Stadium last week, as part of preparations for the line's expansion.

The demolished structures included business premises belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi.