Kenya Railways has confirmed that the Uplands, Kijabe, and Longonot section of the Metre Gauge Railway is ready after a successful test run. This signals that train operations on the route will resume soon.
Heavy rainfall in April and May 2024 damaged the railway infrastructure in the Kijabe area, making the section unusable. Floodwaters washed away parts of the track, which led to the suspension of rail services for safety reasons.
In recent months, Kenya Railways engineers conducted extensive repairs, including track reconstruction, ballast replacement, drainage improvement, and stabilization of vulnerable areas along the corridor. These efforts aimed to restore the line and improve its ability to withstand severe weather.
Kenya Railways Suspends Train Services
The successful test run confirmed that the repaired infrastructure is sound and that the line meets the operational and safety standards needed for rail traffic.
During the inspection ride, Kenya Railways Managing Director Mr. Philip Mainga stated that completing the work shows the company’s commitment to passenger and cargo safety.
“Safety is our top priority. The successful test run confirms that the repaired sections are stable and ready for use. This allows us to gradually restore services while carrying out additional protective measures,” he said.
Kenya Railways added that although the track has been fully restored, extra protection measures and river training work will continue alongside live operations to further secure the corridor against future flooding.
The reopening of the section will restore rail connectivity between the Port of Mombasa, Kenya’s inland regions, and neighboring countries, reviving an important transportation route for both domestic and regional logistics.
