Kisumu Train Service is Back on Track
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- December 15, 2021
Kenya Railways has today announced the commencement of its passenger train services between Nairobi to Kisumu to begin this Friday, December 17.
Many years ago, for the longest time, travelling on the Metre Gauge Railway line was a classic experience for many. Among the most memorable rides was the journey between Nairobi and Kisumu. The train serving the route had been christened Port Florence Express and used to run daily between the two destinations.
Many a traveller loved the Port Florence Express. It was always on time, the rides were enjoyable, the crew was amiable and it never failed. This was the trend for many years until May 4, 2012, when the last passenger train between Nairobi and Kisumu ran on the Metre Gauge Railway line. The railway tracks were suddenly desolate, , and the residents of the areas traversed by the line suddenly got used to the eerie silence. Shopping centres died off, populations moved away, tracks became overgrown with bushes and the train became a distant memory with sections of the line being taken over by encroachers.
Passenger Train Service is BACK!
In a statement, the cooperation announced the train would depart Nairobi at 0600hours, arrive in Nakuru at 1135 hours after which it would proceed to the Lakeside city and arrive at 1745 hours.
The first-class ticket will go for KShs 2,000 while the economy class will cost you KShs 600 only. It also comes with free WiFi.
See the schedule below:
But for the first time in more than 15 years, trains have been seen shuttling between Nakuru and Kisumu counties. The locals of the areas traversed by the Metre Gauge Railway line are an excited lot. Every time the train runs through their locations, the older people tending to their farms pause whatever they are doing to stare and wave. “It is coming back”, they can be heard saying to each other. The children run after the train shouting and waving trying to outrace it-it is an entirely new and thrilling phenomenon to them.
The train has both the economy and business class coaches. The first-class passengers enjoy luxury services such as Wi-Fi, charging ports, refreshments and spacious closets to keep their luggage.
The over 217-kilometre route has 18 railway stations, 46 bridges and 27 viaducts.
According to the passenger schedule, a ticket to Nakuru City will be sold at KShs. 300 for economy class with the train departing the Kisumu Station at 6 AM and arriving at 11.30 AM.
