Kenya Railways Announces More Train Trips From Nairobi To Kisumu

In preparation for a busy festive period, Kenya Railways has announced additional trips for the Nairobi-Kisumu Safari Train, almost two weeks after it made a comeback on December 6, 2024.

In an official notice dated Thursday, December 19, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga told customers that the extra trips would be available until January 15, 2025. This is to also take into consideration students travelling back to schools when they reopen in January.

Two more trips have been added for those leaving Nairobi to the lakeside city. "We are pleased to announce that following the resumption of the Kisumu Safari Train, we have introduced additional trips to and from Kisumu up to January 15, 2025," the notice by the Managing Director read.

"The train to Kisumu will be departing the Nairobi Central Station on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4 p.m. The train to Nairobi will be departing the Kisumu Railway Station on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays at 6:40 pm," the notice continued.

Beforehand, the train was making just one trip; from Nairobi every Friday at 6:30 pm and arrived in Kisumu at 6:30 am. The return trip is usually set for every Sunday with the train departing the New Kisumu Railway station at 6:30 pm to arrive in Nairobi at 6:35 am.

The train is a 12-hour ride and makes stopovers in Line Saba, Kibera, Satellite, Lenana, Dagoreti, Kikuyu, Muguga, Limuru, Uplands, Matathia, Kijabe, Longonot,  Naivasha, Nakuru, Njoro, Molo, Elburgon, Fort Ternan, Londiani, Muhoroni, Miwani, Chemelil, Kibigori and Kibos stations to drop and pick passengers. 

Economy class tickets will cost Ksh900 while first-class tickets will cost Ksh2,400. There are also some policies for passengers to follow. For instance, passengers with cargo exceeding a width of 1.6 meters and a length of 2 meters will not be allowed to board the train.

Additionally, passengers must arrive at least one hour before departure time for verifications. The train was launched three years ago to bring convenience to passengers from that side.

This comes after train services on the route stood under suspension due to line rehabilitation, but the company disclosed that they would resume eventually. Kenya Railways suspended its Nairobi-Kisumu train services earlier in the year due to damaged railway lines that were affected by heavy rains and previous flooding, thus the temporary halt was to ensure passenger safety as repairs were made.

The Kisumu Safari train offers a scenic journey with modern amenities and affordable fares, making it an attractive option for travellers between Nairobi and Kisumu. 

The introduction of the extra trips comes amidst reports of surging travel demand across the country ahead of the festivities, with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger service between Nairobi and Mombasa already fully booked until December 24, 2024. The spike in bookings reflects a seasonal trend as Kenyans travel home or embark on holiday trips.

The SGR has become a popular choice for many travellers due to its affordability and speed compared to flights and buses. During holiday periods, the service often experiences overwhelming demand, and this year is no exception.

The surge in travel demand has also impacted domestic airlines, which report full bookings on key routes, moreso Mombasa and Kisumu from Nairobi.