Kenya Railways suspends Nairobi commuter train services in observance of Mazingira Day

Commuters will be forced to seek alternative transport as Kenya Railways suspends Nairobi Commuter Rail services in observance of Mazingira Day.

"We wish to notify members of the public that on October 10, 2024, in observance of Mazingira Day, the Nairobi Commuter Rail service will be suspended", Kenya Railways said in the notice.

However, the link train between Nairobi Central Railway Station and Nairobi Terminus will remain operational.

Trains affected by the suspension include the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service trains serving between Nairobi Central Station and Ruiru, Kahawa West, Limuru, Lukenya, Syokimau and Embakasi Village.

"The service will resume on October 11, 2024." the statement continued.

Mazingira Day presents a vital opportunity for the nation to unite in fostering a healthier environment and addressing pressing ecological challenges.

The national celebration will be officially marked at the Nairobi Arboretum in an event presided by Cabinet Secretary for Environment Aden Duale.

The holiday which is celebrated on October 10 every year has seen a series of metamorphoses.

Utamaduni Day replaced the long-observed October 10 holiday, transitioning from Moi Day, whose observance was discontinued over a decade ago.

Udamaduni, Swahili for culture, replaced Huduma (Service) Day which was initially adopted to regularise the October 10 holiday introduced in the 80s in honour of President Daniel Arap Moi but dropped under a new constitutional dispensation.

Moi Day was dropped from the list of Kenyan national holidays in August 2010 after the adoption of the new Constitution.

Retired president Uhuru Kenyatta led cabinet had in December 2019 approved changing its name to Huduma Day, which then became Utamaduni Day in 2020 to honour the nation's diverse cultural heritage.

October 10 in April this year was renamed Mazingira Day, from Utamaduni Day.

The changes were effected after President William Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill.

"The Bill amends the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) to substitute Utamaduni Day with Mazingira Day as a public holiday to be observed on 10th October every year," a brief on the Bill reads.

"This seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation."