Used Commuter Trains from Spain to Cost Sh1.5 Billion Not Sh10 Billion, Gov't Says [PHOTOS]

Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett has clarified that the government will import 11 used commuter trains from Spain at a cost of Sh1.5 billion.

Taking to social media, PS Koimmet has termed as untrue reports that the government had set aside Sh10 billion for the purchase of the second-hand locomotives.

She has also shared photos of the old locomotives the government will be buying for the Nairobi commuter train service.

“These are the actual DMUs (Diesel Multiple Units) we are getting. Cost for the 11 DMUs is Ksh1.5 billion NOT Ksh10 billion,” she says in a post.

PS Koimmet further notes that though the trains are used, they will be in service for the next 20 to 25 years.

She further explains that the trains are expected to ferry around 132,000 commuters daily from the current 13,000 per day.

"They should serve us for another 20 - 25 years. When the full complement is in, they will enable us to transport around 132,000 people a day compared to the 13,000 we do today," PS Koimmet notes.

The purchase of the trains is part of the government's plan to decongest the Nairobi central business district.

The government is also importing 64 high-capacity buses from South Africa to be deployed for the bus rapid transit (BRT) plan in Nairobi.