Kenya Railways Unveils Special Service for Students

A train in the revamped Nairobi Commuter Rail system
A train in the revamped Nairobi Commuter Rail system
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Kenya Railways

The Kenya Railways Corporation on Thursday, January 21, announced that the last coach of the Nairobi Commuter train will be reserved for primary and secondary school students.

The corporation said that this will ease the commute for students in and around Nairobi.  

"For the safety and comfort of school-going children, we have reserved the last coach in our commuter trains for them," the statement noted.

The train schedule for the Nairobi as seen on November 10, 2020.
The train schedule for Nairobi as seen on November 10, 2020.
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The service crew and security agents will assist the students, said the service. The move was lauded by a section of Kenyans of social media. 

"Excellent. This is forward-thinking.

"You are doing a commendable job," read a section of the comments.

Kenya Railways had announced the full resumption of the Nairobi Commuter train. This was in an effort to ensure the smooth resumption of students to schools on Monday, January 4.

Seven routes were noted to be in full operation among them; Nairobi Central station to Ruiru station, Nairobi central station to Kikuyu station, Nairobi central station to Embakasi village station.

Other routes that resumed include; Nairobi CBD to Syokimau station, Nairobi to Athi River station and Nairobi to Ongata Rongai, Ngong stations/Nairobi Terminus to Suswa service.

Furthermore, 20 intercity commuter trains were made available. KR projected that this would allow at least 60,000 passengers to be ferried on a daily basis. 

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia had noted that his ministry had agreed with both the Kenya Railways Corporation and the Matatu Owners Association that fares would not be hiked during the school reopening process.

He affirmed that all necessary measures had been put in place for passengers to comply with Covid-19 protocols in order to ensure safety for learners.

Transport CS James Macharia (second left) sanitises his hands while preparing to board a train on Monday, December 7, 2020.
Transport CS James Macharia (second left) sanitises his hands while preparing to board a train on Monday, December 7, 2020.
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