This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On May 5, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta's ambitious plan to revive the 240-kilometre metre-gauge railway line took a significant step forward with the offloading of train wagons at the Nanyuki railway terminus.
According to Kenya Railways, the consignment included two low-sided wagons for carrying murram and tools, two hopper wagons for carrying ballast, one passenger coach for carrying workers, and one locomotive.
Managing Director Phillip Mainga appealed to the public to stay away from the rails for their safety, citing the ongoing refurbishment of the railway line.
Although Covid-19 has slowed down operations, Kenya Railways hinted that they might kick off by the end of June.
Residents of Nanyuki welcomed the revival of the railway line, citing its potential to revive local industries and create jobs.
"I thank the President because we will now be able to easily transport our agricultural produce to other parts of the country and boost business growth in this region," said Irene Nyachomba.
The rehabilitation of the Nanyuki-Nairobi railway was conducted by Kenya Railways and the National Youth Service (NYS).
President Kenyatta's plan aims to enable the direct transportation of agricultural produce such as coffee, tea, miraa, macadamia, and rice to Mombasa port.
"Towns on which the line passes will regain economic vibrancy and that means more business opportunities for the people. That is the Kenya we want," he said.
