Source: The Kenyan Wallstreet
Kenya Railways has resumed commutter train services on majority of its Nairobi routes after abrupt break caused by heavy rains that have been pounding various parts of the country.
- In a public notice, the operator says the services resumed Tuesday morning on Embakasi Village, Lukenya, The SGR link train and Syokimau routes.
- However, Limuru and Ruiru services remain suspended due to ongoing track repair works on those lines.
- The Nairobi services were suspended four days ago, with the heavy rains also leading to extension of departure time for Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka express night train from 10.00 pm to 12.00 am. The extension on Nairobi-Mombasa route was meant to give passengers ample time to arrive at the Nairobi Terminus.
“We also wish to advise the public that commuter train services are subject to change at short notice, depending on weather conditions and other safety considerations,” said Kenya Railway Management.
During the 2017-2022 Kenya Railway strategic plan, the capacity for Nairobi commuter rail service was expanded through refurbishment of coaches and introduction of additional routes, that is: Nairobi – Limuru and Nairobi – Lukenya.
Besides improvement of the infrastructure, 11 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) and buses for Rapid Transit services have been acquired and operationalized with an aim to improve rider comfort, increase number of trips and reduce transit time.
During the plan period, the number of passengers increased from 3,077,232 in 2017/18 to 4,010,721 in 2019/20 and 5,765,743 in 2022/23. Long distance passenger service was re-introduced on MGR line between Nairobi – Nanyuki and Nairobi – Kisumu.
Over the lifespan of the 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan, Kenya Railways aims to conclude construction of the Standard Gauge Railway line from Suswa in Narok County to Malaba; acquire, overhaul and rehabilitate locomotives and rolling stock; efficiently and reliably operate passenger services to all destinations traversed by the railway network; increase the sectors share of the Port Throughput; refurbish and redevelop existing Corporation owned real estate; and develop adequate and competent workforce for the railway transport sector.
THE AUTHOR: Fred Obura
