Nairobi To Kisumu Train Makes Comeback: Kenya Railways Announces Schedule
The schedule indicates that the train will depart Nairobi Central Station every Friday at 4:00 p.m. and arrive at Kisumu Station the following day at 6:30 a.m.
Marvin Chege 
Kenya Railways has announced the return of train services from Nairobi to Kisumu. On Tuesday, December 3, the railway corporation announced that train services on the route would resume on December 6, 2024.
The schedule indicates that the train will depart Nairobi Central Station every Friday at 4:00 p.m. and arrive at Kisumu Station the following day at 6:30 a.m.
"We are pleased to announce that our Kisumu Safari train service has resumed. Please review the detailed information below for adequate preparation. Thank you for choosing our service!" Kenya Railways stated.
However, there's a twist. Users who subscribe to the service will board 3 trains consecutively from Nairobi Central Station to Kisumu Station.
An illustration of the Nairobi-Kisumu train services. /KENYA RAILWAYS
The route map of the journey will kick off at Nairobi Central Railway Station at 4 pm then make a stopover at Nairobi Terminus around 5:20 pm where passengers will board Madaraka Express Train to Mai Mahiu.
At Maai Mahiu Station, passengers will alight the Madaraka Express Train and board an MGR train at 6:55 pm. From Maai Mahiu Station travelers will travel through the night and arrive at Kisumu Station on Saturday at 6:30 am. The return trip will follow the same route map.
Economy class tickets will cost Ksh900 while first-class tickets will cost Ksh2,400. The service will typically operate on Fridays from Nairobi and make a return trip on Sundays from Kisumu.
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.
This comes after train services on the route stood under suspension due to line rehabilitation, but the company recently disclosed that they would resume soon.
"The Kisumu Safari Train service is currently suspended due to ongoing line rehabilitation. Plans to restore the service are at an advanced stage, and it is expected to be available by the festive season," Kenya Railways stated on November 12.
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.
Inside a Nairobi-Kisumu train. /KENYA RAILWAYS
