Written By Lisa Murimi
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has released its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Riruta-Ngong meter gauge railway line, as detailed in the Gazette Notice dated August 16.Â
This report comes nine months after President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua inaugurated the project.
The EIA outlines several potential impacts of the 12.5km railway line, including biodiversity loss, land acquisition issues, air and noise pollution, waste generation, and risks of water pollution and soil erosion.
It also highlights concerns related to traffic disruption and occupational health and safety.
NEMA has invited public feedback on the report within the next 30 days to aid in the decision-making process.
The railway, set to start at Lenana/Riruta and extend to Ngong, will traverse areas including the Ngong Road Forest and Southern Bypass Road, reaching through various sub-counties.
President Ruto, who launched the project on December 15, 2023, anticipates that the line will cut transportation costs by 50% for local residents and create job opportunities for the youth.
Future plans include extending the railway to Kiserian and Ongata Rongai.
