- Kenya Railways has brought back the Kisumu Safari Train for Christmas travel
- The service runs from December 19, 2025, to January 12, 2026
- The train travels overnight between Nairobi and Kisumu
- First-class tickets cost Ksh2,400, while economy is Ksh900
Kenyans travelling upcountry for the Christmas season have received a boost after Kenya Railways confirmed the return of the Kisumu Safari Train. The service is back to help ease holiday travel as thousands move from cities to their rural homes.
According to Kenya Railways, the special Nairobi–Kisumu service will start running on December 19, 2025, and will remain operational until January 12, 2026. The train will use the Nairobi Central–Nairobi Terminus–Mai Mahiu–Kisumu route, giving passengers a relaxed overnight journey to the lakeside city.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the corporation invited Kenyans to enjoy the return of the popular service.
“The Kisumu Safari Train is back on track. Enjoy easy travel and that classic rail magic as you journey from Nairobi to Kisumu,” Kenya Railways said on X.
The train will depart Nairobi at 5:00 pm and arrive in Kisumu at 6:00 am the following morning. On the return trip, it will leave Kisumu at 6:30 pm and reach Nairobi at 8:00 am.
Ticket prices have been set at Ksh2,400 for first class and Ksh900 for economy class. Kenya Railways has advised travellers to book early, with tickets available over the counter at the Nairobi Central office.
The festive season in Kenya often comes with a massive movement of people from towns to upcountry homes. This period is usually marked by crowded terminals, limited seats, and sharply increased fares, making travel stressful for many families.
By mid-December, most long-distance buses are usually fully booked, pushing desperate travellers to try their luck at busy stages such as Machakos Country Bus Station. Transport operators often raise fares during this period, forcing low-income earners to stretch their budgets just to make it home.
With the return of the Kisumu Safari Train, many Kenyans now have a calmer and more affordable option for festive travel.
