Kenya Railways Suspends Nairobi-Nanyuki Midweek Passenger Train Indefinitely

This decision was made to address certain operational requirements and improve the overall efficiency of the service.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jun 15, 2023 - 09:29 Updated: Jun 15, 2023 - 09:32
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Kenya Railways Suspends Nairobi-Nanyuki Midweek Passenger Train Indefinitely
Kenya Railways station at Dandora, Nairobi. /FILE

The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) on Thursday, June 15 announced that it will suspend midweek passenger services between Nairobi and Nanyuki indefinitely.

The railway company revealed in a statement that the suspension will take effect from Wednesday, June 21.

"We wish to notify the public that we have temporarily suspended the midweek train service to Nanyuki effective Wednesday, June 21, 2023, until further notice," the statement read in part.

Inside a Nairobi-Kisumu train. /KENYA RAILWAYS

This decision was made to address certain operational requirements and improve the overall efficiency of the service.

However, Kenya Railways, which is responsible for managing the country's rail network, assured passengers that there will be weekend trains running on Friday and Sunday, as scheduled.

"However, the weekend trips where we have a train departing for Nanyuki every Friday at 9:00 am; and making the return trip every Sunday at 9:00 am shall continue uninterrupted.

"We thank you for your continued support and will endeavour to improve our service to serve you better," added KRC.

The decision to suspend the midweek passenger service is part of Kenya Railways' ongoing efforts to enhance its operations and provide an improved service experience for passengers.

Kenya Railways thus asked passengers who rely on the midweek service to make alternative travel arrangements before this temporary suspension takes effect.

The corporation said it is aware of the inconvenience that this may cause and apologized for any disruption to passengers' plans.

On December 21, 2022, Kenya Railways increased the number of trains plying the Nairobi to Kisumu and Nairobi to Nanyuki routes in anticipation of huge human traffic consisting of those travelling for the festive season.

Two trains would be plying the Nairobi-Kisumu route and two plying the reverse Kisumu-Nairobi route on Thursday, December 22.

The first would leave Nairobi at 6.30 pm and arrive in Kisumu at 6.30 am while the second would leave at 8 pm and arrive at 8 am. The timings were announced to be the same for the reverse trip.

The corporation had estimated that each of the trains will take 12 hours per trip between the two cities.

In their price list, Kenya Railways maintained that it will cost one Ksh600 for economy class and Ksh2,000 for first class, for the trip between Nairobi and Kisumu.

For the journey between Nairobi and Nanyuki, it will cost Ksh200 for economy class and Ksh1,000 for first class.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at the time ordered for more trains to be added to the route as buses, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line and local airlines had their trips fully booked.

The SGR Madaraka Express train at Kibwezi station, Makueni County. /NAIROBI NEWS

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