Kenya Railways warns public against driving along train tracks
Kenya Railways said the behaviour poses a serious risk to the safety of motorists, passengers, and train operations and may also result in severe accidents, damage to property, injury, or loss of life.
The Kenya Railways Corporation has cautioned members of the public against the dangerous practice of driving motor vehicles along the railway line, citing safety risks.
In a public notice, the Corporation said the behaviour poses a serious risk to the safety of motorists, passengers, and train operations and may also result in severe accidents, damage to property, injury, or loss of life.
"We remind all road users that railway lines and reserves are strictly designated for train operations only. Unauthorised driving or parking along the railway track is prohibited, and offenders are liable to prosecution under the law. For your safety and that of others, please: Do not drive or walk along the railway track," read the notice.
More To Read
- 18 State-owned enterprises to operate as Public Limited Companies in new Bill
- New Sh4.2 billion Mombasa Commuter Rail set to ease traffic, boost SGR link
- Government targets land sale to settle Kenya Railways pension arrears
- Kenya Railways warns passengers against ticket scams targeting Madaraka Express
- Motorists Association cites negligence, corruption for spike in road deaths
- Nine killed as train and bus collide in Naivasha
Motorists and pedestrians have been urged to cross the railway line only at designated level crossings and, always adhere to road and rail safety rules.
"Your cooperation will help us keep our railways safe for all," it added.
While railway accidents are not frequent in the country, they are not uncommon.
On August 7, an accident involving a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus and a train occurred on the railway crossing just before Morendat Training and Conference Centre, killing eight employees on the spot.
The staff were on their way home when the accident occurred a few meters from the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Reports claimed that the driver of the bus crossed the railway crossing without checking, leading to the accident that saw the train drag the bus for over 200 metres.
Other cases have been reported of pedestrians getting hit by trains while crossing the rail lines in different parts of the country.
In June 2022, five people were killed when a train collided with a lorry that was crossing railway tracks in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
The lorry transporting labourers was attempting to cross the tracks but underestimated the speed and distance of the oncoming train. Five of the lorry's passengers attempted to avoid the impending collision by jumping from the vehicle, but were knocked down by the train.
In 2013, a train crashed into a passenger bus as it passed through a rail crossing in Nairobi, killing at least 11 people and injuring 34 others.
The authorities said the bus crossed the railway line as the train approached at high speed.
Top Stories Today
