The Kenya Railways Corporation now targets to transport over 5,000 tonnes of cargo and 1,000 passengers each transit through the revamped Gilgil-Ol Kalou-Nyahururu railway line that has remained dormant for the last 46 years.
The Corporation said that the revival is expected to improve access to markets for the agricultural-rich farmers and provide affordable transportation, which will stimulate trade and investment along the corridor.
It added that the key railway route will also ease cargo movement between production areas and the Naivasha Inland Container Depot and strengthen Kenya’s integrated transport and logistics network.
According to the Corporation, 1,000 tonnes of government-subsidized fertilizer have already been delivered to National Cereals and Produce Board depots in Ol-Kalou and Nyahururu, directly supporting farmers in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties growing potatoes, carrots, wheat and other crops.
According to the corporation Director, Philip Mainga, over 1,000 passengers in each transit three times a week and 5,000 tonnes of cargo are being realised, thanks to new trains and cabins.
Speaking to the press in Gilgil Station after a brief stopover, Mainga noted the government had revamped over 80 railway routes driven by rising demand mostly in Nairobi and its outskirt towns.
Mainga said the new route will help revive and ease the transport of agricultural materials such as potatoes, cabbages and avocadoes from the region to the market, offering farmers access to markets.
He noted that the Corporation has reduced the cost of transport on their new trains, charging Sh600 from Nairobi to Nyahururu, Sh550 from Nairobi to Ol-Kalou, and Sh450 from Nairobi to Gilgil.
He said the Corporation targets to tap green energy and transition to electric trains, especially in Nairobi and would add more Electric Multiple Units to their fleet.
Mainga said the government’s move to revive and operationalise the railway routes was driven by rising demand for cargo and passenger movement.
The Director sent a warning against individuals involved in theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure noting that criminal charges have been slapped on such perpetrators and were serving lengthy jail terms.
He said major players including OCP Kenya, Bamburi Cement, New KCC and Freight Terminals Limited, have expressed interest, with additional opportunities in construction materials, livestock and agricultural products to ship cargo through the line.
Mainga added that the line will see communities along the corridor gain a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transport option, improving mobility and access to social services.
The Director noted that the revival supports Kenya Vision 2030, leveraging rail to connect production centres, markets and communities at both micro and macro-economic levels.
The Gilgil-Nyahururu line was initiated by the colonial government in the 1920s and was operationalized in 1929 and targeted easy movement of agricultural produce, livestock, timber and passengers.
However, the line infrastructure deteriorated over the years and the declining freight volumes along the route led to the suspension of its operations.
by Erastus Gichohi
