After days of suspension due to severe flooding, Kenya Railways has announced a phased resumption of commuter train services, bringing relief to thousands of commuters affected by the disruptions. The announcement, made on Tuesday, May 7, signifies a step towards restoring normalcy in the transportation sector following the havoc wreaked by recent heavy rains.
According to a notice issued by Kenya Railways, commuter train operations along the Embakasi Village, Lukenya, and Syokimau routes will resume from today. Additionally, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) link train is among the lines scheduled to recommence services on Tuesday.
However, the Limuru and Ruiru commuter services will remain suspended as repair works continue on tracks damaged by the recent floods. Part of the tracks in these areas suffered extensive damage during the heavy rains experienced in the latter weeks of April, necessitating ongoing repairs before resumption of services.
Kenya Railways emphasized that further communication will be provided to the public once repair works are completed. Nevertheless, the organization cautioned that commuter train services remain subject to change at short notice, depending on weather conditions and other safety considerations. Continuous monitoring of weather patterns will be undertaken, with advisories issued accordingly to ensure the safety of passengers.
“We also wish to advise the public that 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. The safety of our customers will always remain our top priority,” read a statement from Kenya Railways.
The recent announcement comes after Kenya Railways temporarily suspended train services due to flooding incidents in parts of Mt Kenya and Nairobi. One particularly notable incident saw water washing away soil and ballast from beneath the tracks, leaving a section of the rails hanging precariously.
Throughout the disruptions, the Madaraka Express, which operates between Nairobi and Mombasa on the SGR line, remained operational, providing an essential lifeline for travelers between the two major cities.
The resumption of commuter train services will undoubtedly bring relief to commuters who rely on these trains for their daily transportation needs. However, the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and infrastructure improvements to ensure the resilience of Kenya’s railway network.
As repair works continue and services gradually resume, Kenya Railways remains committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its passengers while striving to minimize disruptions in the face of adverse weather conditions.