Kenya Railways adds more train trips for holiday travellers
The new schedule, which comes into effect immediately, will run until January 15, 2025, to accommodate the surge in both Christmas and school holiday travel.
As holiday travel intensifies across the country, Kenya Railways has announced two additional train trips between Nairobi and Kisumu, catering to the increasing number of travellers.
The new schedule, which comes into effect immediately, will run until January 15, 2025, to accommodate the surge in both Christmas and school holiday travel.
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In a notice on Thursday, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga confirmed the move.
"We are pleased to announce that following the resumption of the Kisumu Safari Train, we have introduced additional trips to and from Kisumu up to January 15, 2025," he said.
According to the announcement, the new train schedule will offer more flexibility for passengers.
The additional trips from Nairobi to Kisumu will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing at 4 pm.
Meanwhile, the return trips from Kisumu to Nairobi will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays at 6:40 pm.
This service complements the train's existing schedule, which typically includes one trip from Nairobi every Friday at 6:30 pm., arriving in Kisumu at 6:30 am.
The return journey departs from Kisumu every Sunday at 6:30 pm, arriving in Nairobi at 6:35 am.
Stopovers
Passengers travelling along this route will benefit from several stopovers, including in key towns such as Naivasha, Nakuru, Njoro, Molo, Elburgon, Fort Ternan, and many others.
For those planning to travel in comfort, the First Class ticket to Kisumu is priced at Sh2,400, while an Economy class ticket costs Sh900.
Since its launch three years ago, the Kisumu Safari Train has been popular with travellers seeking a convenient and affordable alternative to long-distance travel.
In addition to the Kisumu route, Kenya Railways has also added more services on the Nanyuki Safari Train. From December 20 to 24, the Nanyuki train will operate daily, departing from Nairobi at 9 am and returning from Nanyuki at the same time.
After the festive season, it will continue to run on selected dates, including December 27, January 3, 7, and 10, with return trips from Nanyuki on December 29, January 5, and 8.
These changes are part of a series of recent adjustments by Kenya Railways to accommodate the growing demand for rail transport.
On December 14, Kenya Railways also introduced a three-minute stopover at Voi Station at 10 pm by the Madaraka Express passenger train, following numerous requests from local residents.
The decision to stop at Voi was in response to a directive from President William Ruto after complaints were raised by the community.
"You have asked me that the train passing here, especially at night, does not stop... Do you want it to stop here so you can travel? I have engaged the relevant ministry, and they have assured me it will start making a stop," President Ruto had said.
