Kenya Railways Unveils 7 New Trains for Kisumu Route

An undated image of the Kenya Railways DF8B locomotive
An undated image of the Kenya Railways DF8B locomotive
Photo
Kenya Railways

Kenya Railways has increased the number of trains plying the Nairobi and Kisumu line in the latest bid to increase its frequencies in that region.

The locomotives are expected to arrive in the country at the end of March 2022. 

At the moment, the rehabilitated metre gauge railway line only has one passenger train plying that route once a week.

Kenya Railways regional manager for Kisumu Michael Disi stated that the need to increase the number was necessitated by the increase in demand from the passengers in the route.

A file image of the revamped train at the Nakuru Railway Station enroute the Kisumu Railway Station
A file image of the revamped train at the Nakuru Railway Station enroute the Kisumu Railway Station on September 24, 2022.
Photo
Kenya Railways

This informed their decision to purchase the locomotives which will then make the company increase their frequencies.

“The seven passenger locomotives that we have procured from China are almost complete and we shall receive them by the end of March 2022. We intend to start using them in April 2022.”

“The purchase of the locomotives has been necessitated by the demonstrated increase of passengers from the two regions who are willing to use the railway line,” Disi stated.

Two trains will operate on the line, leaving Nairobi and Kisumu at the same time. Night travels will also be introduced to boost revenue and cut down delays. 

Kenya Railways plans to extend its services to Butere too, a move that will favour passengers travelling to Mumias, Busia and Bungoma. 

The Kisumu station has approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial space aimed at enhancing commuters' experience and also promoting local businesses.

The station was recently constructed after the government reclaimed the land from fishmongers and relocated the traders to the 17-acre Uhuru Business Park market. 

Kenya Railways expects to start its operations in Butere in June 2022 carrying both passengers and cargo.

An undated image of police officers at a Kenya Railways terminal
An undated image of police officers at a Kenya Railways terminal.
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