Residents of Voi, in Taita Taveta County, have won big after President William Ruto announced the return of the stopover for the Madaraka Express train at Voi starting December 15, 2024. He, therefore, directed Kenya Railways management to effect the same.
The residents had requested that the Madaraka Express train stopover in Voi at night to enable them to travel at night and continue with the business.
Speaking during the Devki Iron Ore Pelletization plant launch in Manga, Taita Taveta County, on Tuesday, the president announced to the residents that he had directed relevant stakeholders to ensure that their request is fulfilled.
"I have directed the Transport Ministry, and they have confirmed that from December 15, the train will start the night stop over at Voi," the President revealed.
The Madaraka Express train usually makes a stopover in Voi during the day but does not stop at night, however, with this new directive, the train will begin stopping over at night in Voi.
"Night train departs both Mombasa and Nairobi Termini simultaneously at 10:00 pm. This service does not entail stops during the journey," the itinerary by Kenya Railways reads.
Furthermore, President Ruto also directed the reopening of the Ikanga Airport in Voi which had faced issues that had blocked its operations.
"We have completed everything entailed with the Ikanga Airport and I am happy to inform you that it will be back in operation on December 15, 2024," the president announced.
The president revealed that the reopening of the airport will not only help Kenyans and Voi residents but also himself. Ruto was unable to use it due to the closure.
According to Taita Taveta Trade and Tourism Executive Vumi Ringo, the Ikanga Airstrip was 98 per cent complete in 2021. The airport is set to boost the tourism sector in the region.
President Ruto lauded the Devki Steel Mills for promoting national ambition to make significant strides in enhancing manufacturing capacity.
Ruto took the opportunity to challenge Kenyans to embrace private investments as they promote growth and create employment.
