The transport sector has received another major boost after the Cabinet on Monday approved the Sh2.5 billion budget for the upgrade of the Nairobi commuter railway network.
The approval has now paved the way for the Government to import faster trains. It emerged that the government intends to acquire the modern commuter trains from Spain.
The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) is expected to award the tender for the project this January before the construction kicks off.
The unveiling of the project will reduce the number of commuters using Matatus to their workplaces as well as homes. KRC's acting Managing Director Philip Mainga has confirmed the approval of the budget.
He noted that the project had delayed because of the approval process, adding that it can now go on as planned. The upgrade will see the numbers rising from the current 13,000 registered per day.
"We have the budget now cleared for the upgrade of the commuter lines and we are planning to create a park and ride concept where people can leave their cars at the stations and take the train to town," Mainga said.
He also said that the project construction will start in a period of three months. Mainga also revealed that his office is reaching out to several contractors before the tender is awarded.