Kenyans using commuter trains in the city's metropolis will not be able to access transport services after Kenya Railways Corporation announced that it had suspended trains.
In a special notice to the public on Wednesday, Kenya Railways revealed that the trains were suspended for the Mazingira Day celebrations.
"We wish to notify members of the public that on October 10, 2024, in observance of Mazingira Day, the Nairobi Commuter Rail service will be suspended", read part of the notice.
The Corporation, however, clarified that the link train that operates between Nairobi Central Station and Nairobi Terminus will remain operational.
Trains affected by the suspension include the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service trains serving between Nairobi Central Station and Lukenya, Syokimau, Embakasi Village, Ruiru, Kahawa West, and Limuru.
"The service will resume on October 11, 2024." the statement continued.
Kenyans are celebrating Mazingira Day after it was renamed from Utamaduni Day. President William Ruto renamed the holiday to encourage Kenyans to take care of the environment.
"In furtherance of the Constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment, H.E President William Ruto on 24th April assented to the Statute law (Miscellaneous Amendment Bill 2024) that saw the public holiday amended. Redesignating Utamaduni Day as Mazingira Day to be observed as a national public holiday on October 10 every year," reads the special notice to rename Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day.
The Day aligns with the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme and supports the goal of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded land by planting more trees.
In line with the main agenda, Kenyans are expected to participate in environmental activities on this day. The aim is to accelerate environmental protection and raise awareness of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.
In a special notice on October 8, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appealed to Kenyans to partake in 3 major activities during the Mazingira Day Holiday. The activities include clean-up activities to get rid of waste from homes, roads, beaches, parks, and any areas that need cleaning. Kenyans are expected to plant trees on this day to promote the government's agenda of planting 15 billion trees by 2030.
Kenyans are also expected to attend to attend forums and get involved in activities that highlight pollution control and good waste management practices.
