French rail manufacturer Alstom on Thursday, November 13, 2025, reported a significant surge in profitability for the first half of its 2025-2026 fiscal year, buoyed by robust global demand for trains and rail infrastructure. The company's performance underscores a worldwide trend of increased investment in sustainable public transport, mirroring Kenya's own strategic push to upgrade its urban mobility networks.

For the six months ending September 30, 2025, Alstom's net income climbed to €220 million ($256 million), a substantial increase from €53 million in the same period of the previous year. The company announced that its total revenue rose to €9.1 billion, with a strong order backlog of €96.1 billion providing clear visibility for future sales. In a statement, Alstom CEO Henri Poupart-Lafarge attributed the growth to the successful execution of their order book and the completion of the integration of Bombardier Transportation, which was acquired in 2021.

This positive financial outlook for one of the world's largest rail companies comes as Kenya prepares for significant investments in its public transport infrastructure. The Kenya Railways Corporation's Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 outlines a comprehensive vision to modernize and expand the country's rail network. Key priorities include extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba and beyond to enhance regional trade, as well as acquiring new rolling stock and rehabilitating existing metre-gauge lines.

Nairobi's Transit Overhaul

Central to Kenya's modernization efforts is the transformation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area's transport system. The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) is spearheading the development of a Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), which includes building a robust commuter rail network and implementing five Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors. These projects are designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and create a more efficient, integrated public transport system for the rapidly growing capital.

While Alstom currently has no active, publicly confirmed contracts in Kenya, the company has previously been linked to Nairobi's development plans. Following a state visit in October 2020, an agreement was discussed for French funding to support the extension of a Nairobi metro line involving a consortium that included Alstom. However, the project remains in early design stages. Alstom's extensive operations across Africa—including major projects in South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Tanzania—demonstrate its capacity and strategic interest in the continent's expanding rail market.

Global Market Context

Alstom's success is reflective of a booming global rolling stock market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Market analyses from multiple research firms estimate the market value to be between $65 billion and $72.56 billion in 2025, with forecasts predicting it will expand to over $125 billion by 2034. This growth is driven by increasing urbanization, government investments in sustainable transport to combat climate change, and the expansion of high-speed rail networks. The Asia-Pacific region currently dominates the market, but significant investments are also being made across Europe and North America.

As Kenya and the wider East Africa region pursue their infrastructure development goals, the performance of global industry leaders like Alstom serves as a key indicator of the health and direction of the international rail market. The availability of advanced technology, sustainable solutions like electric and hydrogen-powered trains, and the potential for international partnerships will be crucial for the successful implementation of projects like Nairobi's MRTS and the expansion of regional rail corridors.