KR targets 5,000 tonnes cargo on revived Gilgil– Nyahururu line
ERASTUS GICHOHI-KNA
The Kenya Railways Corporation now targets to transport over 5,000 tonnes of cargo and 1,000 passengers each transit through the revamped Gilgil-Ol Kalou - Nyahururu railway line that has remained dormant for the last 46 years.
The corporation said that the revival is expected to improve access to markets for the agricultural rich farmers and provide affordable transportation which will stimulate trade and investment along the corridor.
It added that the key railway route will also ease cargo movement between production areas and the Naivasha Inland Container Depot and strengthen Kenya’s integrated transport and logistics network.
According to the corporation, 1,000 tonnes of government-subsidized fertilizer have already been delivered to National Cereals and Produce Board depots in Ol Kalou and Nyahururu, directly supporting farmers in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties growing potatoes, carrots, wheat and other crops.
According to the Corporation Director, Philip Mainga, they target to transport over 1,000 passengers each transit three times a week and ship 5,000 tonnes of cargo thanks to new trains and cabins.
Speaking to the press in Gilgil station after a brief stopover, Mainga noted the government had revamped over 80 railway routes driven by rising demand mostly in Nairobi and its outskirt towns.
Mainga said the new route will help revive and ease the transport of agricultural materials such as potatoes, cabbages and avocados from the region to the market, offering farmers access to markets.
He noted that the Corporation has reduced the cost of transport on their new trains, charging Sh 600 from Nairobi to Nyahururu, Nairobi to Ol Kalou Sh 550 and Nairobi to Gilgil Sh 450.
He said the organisation was on plan to tap green energy and transition to electric trains especially in Nairobi and would add more Electric Multiple Units to their fleet.
Mainga said the government move to revive and operationalise the railway routes was driven by rising demand for cargo and passenger movement.
The Director sent a warning against individuals involved in theft and vandalism of railway infrastructure noting that criminal charges have been slapped to such perpetrators and were serving lengthy jail terms.
He said major players including OCP Kenya, Bamburi Cement, New KCC and Freight Terminals limited have expressed interest, with additional opportunities in construction materials, livestock and agricultural products to ship cargo through the line.
Mainga added that the line will see communities along the corridor gain a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transport option, improving mobility and access to social services.
The Director noted that the revival supports Kenya Vision 2030, leveraging rail to connect production centres, markets and communities at both micro and macro economic levels.
The Gilgil-Nyahururu line was initiated by the colonial government in the 1920s and operationalised in 1929.