Karen residents oppose proposed Sh1.2 billion Riruta-Ngong railway

Karen residents in Nairobi County have opposed the planned construction of Sh1.2 billion Riruta-Ngong commuter railway.

The Karen Langata District Association (KLDA) has raised several concerns about the project, highlighting its potential negative impact on the area's property values and the environment.

The 12.5km railway line which was commissioned by President William Ruto in December 2023, is set to pass through Riruta, Karen, Bulbul, and Ngong.

The association, in a letter to NEMA Director-General Mamo Mamo dated August 19, 2024, argues that the railway line would disrupt the low-density, residential nature of the neighbourhood, which currently attracts investors.

Critical of the project's process, the residents have claimed that proper procedures were not followed and that there was a lack of information and public participation before the project began.

“As a resident association, we urge NEMA not to grant an ESIA licence on the proposed development based on the above concerns as it will negatively affect residents and the environment," reads the letter in part.

The KLDA fears that the line will cause significant environmental damage by destroying green spaces such as Ngong Forest, Karen Surgery, Ngong Dairy, Arocha, and other local areas.

The residents have also highlighted concerns about potential damage to existing road networks, including Ngong Road and various linked roads.

They point to past issues, such as damage to stretches of Mombasa Road following the Expressway's construction.

The association believes the railway will disrupt many residents in areas like Miotoni, Windy Ridge, Tree Lane, Ololua, Mwitu Estate, and Karen Ngong View Estate.

KLDA criticises the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report provided by consultants and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), describing it as "overly generic and theoretical" and claiming it fails to detail specific negative environmental and social impacts. Additional concerns raised include noise, air, and dust pollution.

During a stakeholder meeting on April 12, 2024, at St. Christopher International School, residents expressed worries about the project's effects.

The KLDA noted that the meeting was informative but did not equate to approval. They requested Kenya Railways minutes be shared for review but state that no follow-up meeting or information has been provided.

As a result, the association wrote to KRC and other agencies on May 2, 2024, seeking documents like the feasibility study report, engineering plans, and the ESIA report. Despite a follow-up letter on July 31, they have received no response.

Residents are concerned about potential property losses due to the railway and are worried that the state might not provide adequate compensation.

KLDA argues that upgrading Ngong Road from Karen Roundabout to Ngong would address transportation issues more effectively, as road transport remains the primary option for many.

In another letter to KRC Managing Director Philip Mainga dated May 2, 2024, KLDA called for the construction to cease until a proper stakeholder engagement process is conducted as required by law.

"We, therefore, request Kenya Railways to fulfil due requirements that precede the commencement of such infrastructure projects, including a feasibility study, engineering plans, environmental impact assessment, stakeholder engagement plan, resettlement action plans and grievance resolution mechanism," the letter reads in part.

This letter was also copied to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Nairobi County Governor's office, Road CS, Nairobi Area Metropolitan Transport Authority, and NEMA. KLDA insists that KRC should publicly release all documentation related to the project so that affected communities can provide informed feedback and participate in decision-making. The association has already obtained conservatory orders to halt the project.