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Kenya Railways resumes commuter train services in select routes after heavy rains

A file photo of the Nairobi Central Station-Nairobi Terminus Link Train. (Photo: Kenya Railways)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | 07 May 2024

However, the Limuru and Ruiru routes will remain suspended due to ongoing repair works on the railway lines following heavy rains.

Kenya Railways Corporation has announced the partial resumption of commuter train services after suspension due to relentless heavy rains pounding across the country.

On April 24, the corporation suspended the commuter train to and from the Nairobi city centre daily across five routes; Embakasi, SGR Link and Syokimau, Limuru, Lukenya and Ruiru.

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However, in a notice on Monday night, Kenya Railways announced the resumption of service in four routes.

"We are pleased to inform the public that commuter train services will resume Tuesday, 7th of May 2024, on the following routes," reads the notice.

The routes are Embakasi Village, Lukenya, SGR Link and Syokimau..

However, the Limuru and Ruiru routes will remain suspended due to ongoing repair works on the railway lines following heavy rains.

"Commuter train services are subject to change at short notice, depending on weather conditions and other safety considerations. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore normalcy," reads the notice further.

Change in departure time

Last week, Kenya Railways also announced the change in departure time for the Madaraka Nairobi- Mombasa night train.

The corporation said that the train would be leaving the station at midnight instead of the usual 10 pm.

"In a bid to ensure that no one is left behind, we have extended the departure time in order to give passengers ample time to arrive at the Nairobi Terminus," read the statement.

The adjustment of time as explained by Kenya Railways was a result of the heavy rainfall which has affected movement on the roads.

This comes as the total number of lives lost due to floods as of May 6, 2024, stood at 229.

The Ministry of Interior said that a cumulative 174 people have been reported injured.

At least 75 people are currently missing and 46,937 households have been displaced affecting approximately 234,685 people.