Why Wamatangi’s Businesses Were Demolished Near Nyayo Stadium

The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has defended the recent demolition of businesses near Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, describing the operation as part of a land repossession process designed to improve transport ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

On Tuesday night, bulldozers tore down several properties, including a restaurant and car wash owned by Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, along with liquor outlets, beauty salons, and other businesses. Security personnel supervised the operation and patrolled the area to ensure order.

In a statement on Wednesday, KRC outlined major railway developments under the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service as part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The corporation confirmed plans to improve rail connectivity to key match venues, including Nyayo Stadium, Talanta Sports City, and Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

A central component of the plan is the construction of a railway station next to Nyayo National Stadium, along with a new spur line running from Nairobi Central Station through the Nyayo Stadium area and Kibera, extending toward Talanta Sports City.

Kenya Railways identified the Nairobi Central–Limuru commuter corridor as the ideal route for the new line, which is expected to play a pivotal role during the continental tournament.

“The development of the rail spur line is aimed at providing an effective transport solution that will ensure easy access to and from the venues of the soccer event,” KRC stated.

The corporation said the project will improve mobility for fans, officials, and workers during the tournament while reducing pressure on Nairobi’s road network.

“The spur line will guarantee commuters a safe, reliable, and affordable transport option, thus ensuring ease of movement during AFCON 2027,” the statement added.

Nyayo Stadium will also serve as a central operations and training hub during the tournament due to its strategic location within the city.

KRC maintained that encroachers of the railway land had been given advance notice to vacate, allowing the construction of the station and spur line to proceed smoothly.

“Kenya Railways is in the process of evicting all encroachers as we repossess all the land that has been identified for the above-mentioned development,” the statement read.

The corporation warned that any illegal structures found on the corridor would be removed without further notice, at the encroacher’s risk and cost.

The post Why Wamatangi’s Businesses Were Demolished Near Nyayo Stadium appeared first on Nairobi Wire.