Aston Lukoye
Kenya Railways did not reveal why it was suspending the key service routes in the capital
Kenya Railways has announced the suspension of the Nairobi Commuter Rail services until January 2, 2024.
In a notice, the railway firm revealed that the service plying Ruiru, Embakasi Village, Limuru, Lukenya and Syokimau will be affected by the suspension from Thursday, December 21.
“wish to inform customers that: The Nairobi Commuter Rail Services to Ruiru, Embakasi Village, Limuru, Lukenya and Syokimau will be suspended from 21st December 2023 till 2nd January 2024,” the notification stated.
Although it being the holiday season and many Kenyans have moved upcountry, Kenya Railways did not disclose the reason for the suspension of the main service routes in the capital; as a result, it is expected to be a slow season for Nairobi Commuter Rail services.
Nonetheless, the company disclosed that the following services will be offered all through the holiday season:
Serving Madaraka Express Passenger Service patrons, the Link train runs between Nairobi Central Railway station and Nairobi Terminus.
- The Safari train in Nanyuki
- The Safari train in Kisumu
- The leisure train of Suswa
- The Madaraka Passenger Service Express train
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a happy festive season,” Kenya Railways sent out a message to its customers.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, Kenya Railways announced on Friday, November 24, the reintroduction of midweek train services to Kisumu and Nanyuki.
In addition to the regular Friday timetable, the train will now leave Nairobi for Kisumu on Wednesdays at 6.30 p.m. In addition to the regular Sunday schedule, there is a train that departs Kisumu on Thursdays at 6.30 pm for individuals who want to travel to Nairobi.
According to the current fare schedule, a first-class ticket costs Ksh2,000, while an economy ticket costs Ksh600.
Simultaneously, individuals in route to Nanyuki from Nairobi can board the train that leaves the capital’s Railway Station every Tuesday and Friday at 9:00 am. On Wednesday and Sunday, at 9:00 a.m., those returning to Nairobi from Nanyuki will board the train in Laikipia County.
Economy class tickets cost Ksh200, while first class tickets cost Ksh1,000 for the the journey.
Kenya Railways ascribed the rise in rail services to the approaching holiday season, which sees a surge in travel as Kenyans head to other regions of the nation for vacations and to spend Christmas and New Year’s with their families away.
“Exciting announcement! This holiday season, take the Kisumu and Nanyuki Midweek Train service and set out on a unique adventure.
“As the trains pass over the picturesque plains, discover Kenya’s magnificent natural surroundings. With us, you may travel safely,” said Kenya Railways.
The company did not, however, specify how long the train services during the week will run.
