Passengers who wish to connect their rail journeys to Mombasa from Voi now have a reason to smile after the Kenya Railways announced the resumption of a train stopover at the Voi station.
In a notice, the agency said commencing this Sunday, December 15, the Madaraka Express will make a stop at the station for three minutes daily, day and night.
“The Kenya Railways is pleased to announce that effective December 15, the 10pm Madaraka Express passenger service train to and from Nairobi terminus will now take a 3 minute stopover at Voi station,” the agency said.
The train from Nairobi, as per the notice, will stop from 2:05am to 2:08am while the one from Mombasa to Nairobi will stop from 11:45pm to 11:48pm.
“We look forward to having you on board as we endeavour to serve you better,” Kenya Railways said.
The announcement comes just a week after President William Ruto assured Voi residents that he will ensure this comes to fruition as requested by leaders from the region.
He made the remarks during the launch of Devki iron ore pelletization plant in Manga, Taita Taveta.
“You have asked me that the train that passes here, especially at night, goes without stopping...you want it stop here so that you can travel?” he posed, and added, “I have engaged the relevant ministry and they have assured it will start making a stop".
The Madaraka Express train usually makes a stopover at the station during the day but does not stop at night.
In January 2023, the agency announced a five-minute stopover before the night stop was suspended.
Through a notice, Kenya Railways said the 3pm train would make an intermediate stop at Voi where passengers from Mombasa and Nairobi would be able to board and alight.
It said the Nairobi-bound train will be completing the journey at 8:18pm, with the Nairobi to Mombasa train completing its journey at 8:30pm.
