Kenya Railways has announced the resumption of the Nanyuki passenger train service on Friday, July 12 after over three months’ suspension.
The Corporation suspended commuter service on the route on April 18 at the height of heavy rains which rendered a section of the railway line at Thika-Mitubiri area inaccessible.
But in a statement on Tuesday, managing director Philip Mainga said the passenger train service will resume normal operations in three days.
“We are pleased to inform the public that the Nanyuki Passenger Service train will resume service on Friday, July 12, 2024. In line with the normal schedule, the train departs Nairobi Central Station every Friday at 9 am and departs Nanyuki station every Sunday at 9 am,” he said.
Mainga assured passenger of the company’s continued commitment to prioritise their safety and thanked them for their support.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to do everything to serve you better,” he added.
The news comes the same day one person died and over 30 others were injured following a commuter train accident at KMQ, Magadi, Kajiado county.
Witnesses and police said the Magadi-Kajiado commuter train rolled backwards along a steep stretch, leaving its occupants nursing injuries, with one reported dead on the spot.
Kajiado Referral Hospital superintendent Fred Ayani put the number of casualties at 46 saying about 20 of them had serious injuries.
Some 10 patients in critical state from multiple fractures were referred to Kenyatta National Hospital.
The deceased was positively identified and the body was moved to the Kajiado Referral Hospital morgue.
Residents blamed the accident on vandalism saying the rail line has recently been prone to vandalism by rogue scrap metal dealers.
In a statement, Kenya Railways said the train service was privately operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited.
“Kenya Railways management is in contact with the company and has dispatched a team to the site to gather more details of the incident and offer support. The Corporation condoles with the bereaved family and wishes a quick recovery to the injured passengers,” the company said in a statement on X.
— Kenya Railways (@KenyaRailways_) July 9, 2024