Rehabilitation works on the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot railway corridor have now been 100 per cent completed, marking a major milestone in the restoration of a critical section of Kenya’s metre-gauge railway network under the leadership of Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga.
Kenya Railways confirmed that successful test rides have already been conducted, affirming the safety, structural integrity and operational readiness of the line. The only outstanding task involves slope protection works, which are currently being finalized to enhance long-term stability and safeguard rail operations against geological risks in the Kijabe escarpment area.
Speaking on the milestone, Mainga said the completion reflects Kenya Railways’ commitment to restoring freight reliability and strengthening regional trade corridors.
“The successful rehabilitation and testing of the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot section is a critical step in reopening the Central Corridor. Once the final slope protection works are completed, we are ready to fully resume freight operations,” Mainga said.
With the corridor now technically ready, Kenya Railways has commenced final preparations to resume freight transportation through Kijabe, reconnecting the Port of Mombasa to Nyanza and Western Kenya, and extending onward to Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
The restored line is expected to decongest road transport, lower cargo movement costs, and improve transit times, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub.
Under Mainga’s stewardship, Kenya Railways has prioritized infrastructure rehabilitation, operational safety and regional connectivity, with the reopening of the Kijabe corridor seen as a strategic boost to both domestic commerce and cross-border trade.
