This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
On Wednesday, Nairobi commuters hoping to use the newly launched standard gauge railway (SGR) train services were in for a surprise. The train services targeting residents of Ngong and Ongata Rongai have no direct link to the city centre, forcing passengers to board two trains and pay more compared to the road option.
According to the schedules released by Kenya Railways, residents of Rongai will pay Sh100 to Syokimau before taking another train at Sh50 to the city centre. This is more expensive than taking a matatu ride from Rongai, which costs on average Sh100, although it may take longer due to heavy traffic on the Magadi Road.
Residents of Ngong, who pay as low as Sh50 to come to work by road, will also pay Sh100 to get to Syokimau first before completing the trip via the metre gauge railway to the Central Railway Station in Nairobi. The Ngong station is located about five kilometres from the town, implying those planning to use the line would either drive to the station or seek alternative transport at an additional cost.
On Wednesday, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku asked for a speedy upgrade of the link roads, especially around the Ngong station, which are almost impassable during heavy rains. President Uhuru Kenyatta promised to have the roads fixed, asking Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia to liaise with the local leaders and address the matter.
