Kenya's Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Unveils Seven Nairobi Commuter Rail Stations on the Nairobi-Ruiru Route
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, EGH has unveiled 7 Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) Service stations along the Nairobi-Ruiru route.
The commissioned stations: Ruiru, Kenyatta University, Kahawa West, Githurai, Mwiki, Dandora, and Mutindwa are a part of the 32 new stations the government will commission to boost the capacity of commuters within the Nairobi metropolis.
Speaking at a media briefing on October 2nd 2024, at Nairobi Central Railway Station CS Chirchir stated that the new stations marks a significant milestone, making commuting safer, more efficient, and more convenient for Nairobi residents.
“The Nairobi Commuter Rail development is part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Transport Master Plan. Kenya Railways is undertaking the rehabilitation of the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) network to modernize the Nairobi Commuter rail transport system,” said Chirchir.
The Nairobi Commuter Rail Project is geared towards decongesting roads within the Nairobi metropolitan and aims at providing passengers with safe, reliable and affordable transport services in and around Nairobi city.
The CS also affirmed that some of the partnerships that continue to support Kenya’s NCR rehabilitation, revitalization, modernization, and expansion project stating that the World Bank and France have already committed significant financial support towards the realization of this high-priority project.
The Nairobi commuter service seeks to target transporting a hundred thousand (100,000) passengers daily by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year up from the current twenty thousand (20,000).
Rolling Stock Enhancements Kenya Railways has also rehabilitated between 300 and 500 meter-gauge railway coaches at the Nairobi Workshop, and the introduction of Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) is already providing reliable, modern services. Additionally, the construction of an Ultra-Modern Carriage and Wagon (CXR) Workshop is also underway.
Later, the CS flagged off the new luxurious KR Premium class on Madaraka Express at Nairobi Terminus. The CS was accompanied by Kenya Railways Chairman Abdi Bare Duale, Kenya Railways Managing Director, Philip Mainga, EBS, KR Board of Directors among other Ministry and other government officials.
During a press briefing at Athiriver station, after he disembarked from the Premium class, CS Chirchir stated that the Premium class would revolutionize rail transport in the country.
“Guided by our vision of providing a world-class rail service, Kenya Railways has elevated the rail travel experience with the introduction of an exclusive Premium Class service,” he said.
“These premium coaches are designed with the discerning traveller in mind,” added CS Chirchir.
Also on his part Kenya Railways Chairman, Abdi Bare Duale affirmed that the KR Premium class service is a game changer noting that it will boost the country’s tourism sector. The fare for the Premium class has been set at Kes 12,000 and a return ticket at Kes 20,000.
