Efforts by Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) to reclaim central Nairobi land have intensified, raising alarm among churches, business owners, and residents who fear imminent demolitions.

The agency’s Sh28 billion Railway City redevelopment aims to modernise the Nairobi Central Railway Station area into a major transport and commercial hub, covering properties along Haile Selassie Avenue, Uhuru Highway, and Bunyala Road.

Sites earmarked for clearance include religious centres, commercial outlets, and residential plots.

Key locations affected include Neno Evangelism Centre, associated with Pastor James Ng’ang’a, a partially completed building next door, two petrol stations, and land occupied by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru’s Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM).

In Mukuru kwa Njenga, businesses along Tecla Lorupe Road, stretching to Kobil North Airport Road, came to a standstill as residents feared forced evictions.

KRC Managing Director Philip Mainga issued a notice giving “unauthorised persons” seven days to leave, warning that remaining structures would be demolished at the owners’ expense. Construction is expected to begin soon, with final designs ready and procurement underway.

The 13-acre Railway City development is set to transform the central station into a hub capable of moving 30,000 passengers during peak hours.

The project integrates Bus Rapid Transit lines with other transport systems and aims to reduce congestion in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

Plans include laying 45 kilometres of new railway tracks, constructing a central station building, building overbridges and additional passenger platforms, refurbishing the historic Easy Coach House, and creating a new freight yard at Makadara. Commercial facilities such as office blocks, shopping centres, and light industrial units will also be added.

The project’s Sh28 billion cost is partly funded by the United Kingdom, which contributes Sh11.9 billion (£80 million), with the remainder from Kenyan taxpayers. KRC says site clearance will occur in phases, starting with land immediately surrounding the station.

JIAM has previously been partially demolished amid disputes over land ownership with KRC. In 2024, unidentified individuals tore down part of the church’s perimeter wall, claiming authority from the railway agency.

Bishop Wanjiru, who is also involved in politics, accused the government of betrayal, suggesting that if a politically influential church could face eviction, ordinary citizens were equally at risk.

Pastor Ng’ang’a won a court injunction in 2023 to stop KRC from interfering with his Haile Selassie Avenue property, asserting legal ownership and commercial plans. He accused the agency of trying to seize land under the pretext of railway reserve regulations.

Residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga are equally concerned. Bulldozers escorted by police halted normal business operations as shops and homes were threatened with demolition.

 Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe visited the area, condemning the demolitions and calling for the protection of residents. KRC, however, insists that reclaiming the land is crucial for developing public infrastructure.