A fresh round of compulsory land acquisition has been declared in Nairobi, targeting five hectares for the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension through the densely populated Riruta–Ngong–Kiserian–Ongata Rongai corridor.

The National Land Commission (NLC), acting on behalf of Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), issued the directive in a gazette notice dated July 1, 2025.

The parcels, exclusively owned by corporate entities, are earmarked for the construction of a proposed 30.5-kilometre commuter railway line aimed at decongesting Nairobi’s southern traffic routes.

“The National Land Commission on behalf of Kenya Railways Corporation Authority (KRC) gives notice that the National Government intends to add parcels of land listed below for the construction of the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway Line Project,” read the commission's notice.

The planned railway extension forms part of a broader effort to link suburban areas to central Nairobi by rail, improving commute times for thousands of daily travellers.

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The announcement sets the stage for what could become one of the most critical urban railway connectors in the capital.

According to Gershom Otachi of the NLC, individuals and companies with interests in the affected properties have until September 17, 2025, to submit their compensation claims.

He confirmed that no private individuals are affected—only parcels owned by registered companies.

“Interested parties have been urged by the commission to present claims for compensation on Wednesday, September 17, at the 20th floor boardroom of Upper Hill Chambers, starting at 10. Every person interested in the affected land is required to deliver to the National Land Commission on or before the day of the inquiry a written claim to compensation,” NLC stated.

Claimants must produce a set of documents that include identification, proof of ownership, and bank account details.

Companies will be expected to furnish certificates of incorporation, CR12 forms, Kenya Revenue Authority PINs, and directors’ IDs as part of the compensation inquiry process.

This acquisition marks another chapter in Kenya’s ambitious SGR expansion programme, with the Riruta–Rongai link poised to offer a modern transport alternative for an area long plagued by road congestion.

Should the project proceed without delays, the southern fringe of Nairobi may soon see a notable shift from road to rail, bringing with it not only improved urban mobility but also renewed development opportunities in the adjoining satellite towns.