Kenya Railways has assured passengers that the Nairobi–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu train will continue operating as scheduled, dismissing concerns raised over the safety of the recently revived railway line.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the corporation said the service remains fully operational and will continue running between Nairobi and Nyahururu every Tuesday and Friday, with return trips scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays.
The assurance comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged residents of Ol Kalou to avoid using the train, claiming its reintroduction posed safety risks.
However, Kenya Railways maintained that the service offers passengers a safe, reliable and affordable means of transport while also boosting trade and economic activity along the corridor.
Beyond passenger transport, the company stated that the railway line continues to carry fertilizers, agricultural products, construction material and other bulky loads, thus offering cheap means of transportation for farmers, businessmen and companies in the area.
As per Kenya Railways, the rehabilitated rail line will transport over 5,000 tonnes of cargo and more than 1,000 people in each journey in a bid to revive the nation’s meter gauge railway network.
This was in reaction to claims by Gachagua at a political rally held on Friday, whereby he wondered about the appropriateness of the revitalization of the railway line, especially with the upcoming Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-elections scheduled for July 16.
According to the former Deputy President, the train had previously been involved in minor accidents and stated that the revival of the line was just a political agenda. He therefore advised people to stay away from the train saying that it was not safe.
The Gilgil-Ol Kalou-Nyahururu railway line was officially reopened on June 2 after being out of operation for almost five decades.
Many people saw the opening of the train as a revival of the historical transportation line which will enhance movement of people and cargo, while supporting businesses and agricultural activities across Nyandarua and neighbouring counties.
