Passenger train to Nanyuki makes a comeback twenty years later

Passenger train to Nanyuki from Nairobi will return after being shut for nearly 20 years.

According to the national government, Laikipia County, and Kenya Railways, the passenger train will transport passengers every weekend. The trips will be done to and fro Nanyuki.

Nicholas Biwott, the County Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives executive, says they will make a trip to evaluate how viable the train will be. Biwott additionally says they will come up with a regular schedule to the central region.

In addition, the train holds at least 1,600 passengers per trip. The passenger train will furthermore depart from Nairobi at 8am and arrive Nanyuki at 2pm. It is also expected to head to Nairobi the following day at 8am.

Moreover, the train will make stops at Thika and Chaka before reaching the Nairobi Central Railway Station.

Passengers will be charged Sh200 from Nairobi to Nanyuki on the second class and between Sh50 and Sh100 for short trips like Chaka, Karatina, Murang’a, Sagana, Makuyu, Naromoru, and Maragua stations.

However, Biwott states that the rates shall be further discussed with the Kenya Railways.

Cargo shipment

Additionally, Kenya Railways had plans to resume cargo transportation to Nanyuki.

According to the reports submitted by Kenya Railways, a ton of cargo from Athi River to Sagana will cost Sh846 per ton while cargo from Mombasa to Nanyuki will cost Sh4, 720 per ton.  Furthermore, cargo from Sagana to Nairobi will cost Sh400 per ton and cargo from Nanyuki to Nairobi will be Sh730 per ton.

Cargo shipment will further charge Sh1, 640 per ton for petroleum products from Nairobi to Nanyuki while Sh4, 940 per ton from Mombasa to Nanyuki.

The Kenya Railways managing director, Philip Mainga, says that the passenger train to and from Nanyuki targets people travelling on short vacations.