Kenya Railways has rehabilitated the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) transport system, aiming to decongest roads and provide passengers with safe, reliable and affordable transport service in and around Nairobi city.
The NCR development is part of the Nairobi metropolitan transport master plan where Kenya railways is involved in rehabilitation of the railway lines, upgrading of halts to mini stations, modernizing the Nairobi central station and increasing the rolling stock.
Ministry of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Davis Chirchir said that the World Bank has pledged Sh65 billion to the new rail network aiming to transform the commuter experience with a target of transporting 100,000 passengers daily by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year from the current 20,000 passengers.
Chirchir said that the plan is to cover 58 kilometers of new rail infrastructure which will create an instrumental linkage for key transport hubs such as Nairobi central station, the airport and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
“The French government has contributed 128 million Euros towards modernising the ticketing system, a key element in enhancing passenger flow and boosting efficiency,” he said.
The CS added that the commuter rail system is expected to serve between 10,000 and 20,000 people daily, helping to decongest the city and improve the overall urban transport operations with focus being on a seamless ticketing system and enhanced security measures to support mass transport.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service Stations, the CS noted that NCR project encompasses the rehabilitation and upgrade of a total of 139 kilometers of railway track whose works were undertaken to improve the ridding comfort of the commuters, increase safety of operations and reduce the transit time for the trips by eliminating speed restrictions.
Chirchir said that the Nairobi commuter rail service stations will have different corridors including the Nairobi-Ruiru route which facilitates the movement of both people and cargo thus easing pressure on Nairobi’s congested roadways.
Other corridors include Nairobi-Kikuyu with a length of 31 kilometers, Makadara-Ruiru station 26 kilometers which has four intermediate stations- Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai and Kahawa, NRC Station-Konza 75 kilometers with seven intermediary stations and Makadara-Embakasi 7.2 kilometers with two intermediary stations.
The CS noted that KR is at different stages of constructing and modernized several NCR Stations which include Ruiru, Githurai, Mwiki, Dandora, Kariobangi, Kitengela, Mutindwa, Kenyatta University, Mlolongo, Konza, Kibera, Thogoto, Kariobangi, Makongeni, Mutuini and Gitambaya adding that the government plans to complete 32 new stations in order to boost commuters’ capacity within the Nairobi Metropolitan.
He announced that they have rehabilitated the rolling stock, locomotives and coaches at the Nairobi workshop and KR has acquired diesel multiple Units which are operational providing reliable, safe and comfortable modern rail transport services.
“Kenya Railways (KR) received a batch of new passenger service rolling stock which include 1 dining car, 4 premium Class, 10 Economy Class coaches and one power car in July 2024,” said Chirchir.
The CS said that KR has elevated the rail travel experience with the introduction of an exclusive Premium Class service that is according to their vision of providing a world class rail service.
The CS who commissioned operations of the KR Premium Class Coach at the SGR Nairobi terminus, stated that the Premium Coaches are designed with the discerning traveler in mind featuring optimized seating arrangement, guaranteeing ample legroom and personal space and maximum comfort throughout the journey.
He explained that the coaches have automated window shutters and seats that can rotate to face any direction for convenience in rail travel.
Other features include passengers being treated to complimentary beverages and meals on board, dedicated train crew team, trained for premium class services, exclusive access to VIP lounges and additional storage options to cater for the needs of travelers among others.
“The modernization of Nairobi’s central Station and the development of the central station corridor along the stations demonstrates the government’s dedication to investing in efficient, reliable and modern transportation systems,” he stated.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the country’s transport infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.
By Sharon Atieno
