By Jameson
Kenya Railways on Monday successfully conducted a test ride along the Metre Gauge Railway section linking Uplands, Kijabe and Longonot, marking a major step towards the resumption of rail operations on the corridor.
The test run follows the completion of restoration works on the line, which was severely damaged during above normal rainfall experienced in April and May 2024. Heavy rains washed away key sections of the railway around Kijabe, rendering the line impassable and forcing the suspension of train services.
The disruption significantly affected rail transportation between the Port of Mombasa, Kenya’s hinterland and neighbouring countries. Freight movement was halted, disrupting the transportation of farm inputs, agricultural produce, steel products, containerised cargo and other conventional goods destined for western Kenya and the wider East African region.
Speaking during the inspection and test ride, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said the successful trial marked a critical milestone for the corporation and the regional logistics network.
“We are delighted to achieve this important milestone today. This clears the way for us to resume normal operations and continue offering safe, reliable and efficient services to our clients,” Mainga said.
He noted that freight services are set to resume following the completion of final test runs, providing major relief to traders in western Kenya and regional partners in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mainga also highlighted the historical significance of the Kijabe section, noting that the railway, established in the late nineteenth century, played a central role in the development of settlements and key institutions in the area. He said the line had remained resilient for more than a century until the extreme weather events of 2024 caused extensive damage.
According to Kenya Railways, approximately 12 kilometres of the line were affected by the floods, with about six kilometres completely destroyed. Repair works, undertaken by a contracted firm, took nearly one year and seven months to complete due to the difficult terrain and the scale of destruction.
Mainga praised the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation, alongside Kenya Railways technical teams, for completing the works, saying the restored infrastructure has significantly improved stability and safety along the corridor.
With the Uplands Kijabe Longonot section now cleared for operations, Kenya Railways plans to resume cargo evacuation from Mombasa through Nairobi to Nakuru, Eldoret, Malaba and onward to Uganda and other regional destinations. The reopening will also enable the full restoration of services on the Nakuru Kisumu line, supporting lake transport operations through vessels MV Uhuru I and MV Uhuru II.
“This is a regional line and a critical artery for the East African Community. Resuming operations will allow smoother evacuation of cargo and reconnect our partners across the region,” Mainga said.
The damage to the railway line occurred amid devastating heavy rains and flooding that affected much of Eastern Africa between March and May 2024, driven by El Niño weather conditions. In Kenya, Nairobi and surrounding areas were among the hardest hit, with rivers bursting their banks, widespread displacement, loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure, farmland and livestock.
