NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 31 — The Environment and Land Court has issued a conservatory order halting the construction of the proposed Ngong-Riruta commuter railway line, which is set to run through Nairobi’s Karen.
The directive followed a suit filed by the Karen Lang’ata District Association (KLDA) against the planned construction. Association Chairperson Samora Sikieh cited the interests of Karen residents.
Justice Anne Omollo, in her ruling on Friday, halted the planned exercise pending a determination by the court.
“THAT orders are hereby issued that no activities be undertaken on the project/construction pending the hearing and determination of the application,” she ordered.
The petitioners argued that the project lacked adherence to due process, including proper stakeholder engagement and the acquisition of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license before the commencement of construction.
Pending further orders, the court directed the respondents, including Kenya Railways Corporation, China Railways Design Corporation, APEC Consortium Co. Limited, and senior officials from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, to file and serve their replying affidavits within ten days.
President William Ruto commissioned the project in December 2023, with the government reporting its cost at Sh8 billion.
The 12.5km rail will crisscross Riruta, Karen, Bulbul, and Ngong.
