Kenya Railways Introduces Kisumu Night Train
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- June 7, 2022
Kenya Railways has confirmed the introduction of a night train for the Nairobi-Kisumu passenger service.
The first night train will depart Nairobi for Kisumu this Friday, June 10th at 6.30 pm, and is set to arrive the following day Saturday at 6.30 am.
The night train from Kisumu to Nairobi is also scheduled to depart the lakeside city at 6.30 pm on the same Friday, June 10th and arrives at the Nairobi Central station at 6.30 am.
The night trains to and from Kisumu are scheduled to run every Friday and Sunday.
The Kisumu Safari Train, as it is officially known, was re-introduced at the end of 2021 after a 15-year absence. Its reintroduction followed the refurbishment of the metre gauge railway (MGR).
While demand was high, observers questioned why it only operated during the day. Several passengers and Kenyans had requested for a night train to be introduced on the route.
For economy class, passengers travelling between Nairobi and Nakuru pay Ksh 300, Nakuru to Kisumu Ksh 400 and Nairobi to Kisumu Ksh 600.
A restaurant car between the first-class coaches and economy coaches serves light and heavy meals as well as drinks.
The train is comparatively cheaper than buses which many use to travel to the Western region. A 7-hour bus ride from Nairobi to Kisumu costs anywhere between Ksh 1,200 and Ksh 2,000.
First-class passengers on the Nairobi-Kisumu train pay Ksh 2,000.
Perks available to first-class passengers include access to Wi-Fi, charging ports, refreshments and spacious closets for luggage storage.
