Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot rail service to resume after test run

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Kenya Railways has successfully completed a test run from Uplands Railway Station to Kijabe–Longonot Railway Station, signalling the imminent resumption of operations along the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) corridor.

The corridor, which links Kenya’s interior to Mombasa and neighbouring countries, had been out of service since April and May 2024, when above-normal rainfall washed away sections of the line near Kijabe, rendering it impassable.

The disruption severely affected freight movement, slowing the transport of farm inputs, produce, steel products, containerised cargo, and other goods vital to both domestic and regional trade.

Speaking during the test ride, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga described the development as a significant boost for the railway operator.

“We are delighted to achieve this important milestone today. This clears the way for us to resume normal operations and continue offering safe, reliable, and efficient services to our clients,” he said.

According to Mainga, freight transportation will resume once the test runs confirm the line’s readiness, providing a lifeline for traders in Kenya’s Western region as well as those in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kenya Railways confirmed that full restoration of the track is complete, with additional protection works and river training ongoing to safeguard the corridor from future flooding.

These measures are aimed at enhancing the resilience and longevity of the line while train operations commence.

The successful test run is a critical step toward restoring the corridor’s full operational capacity.

The only remaining activity is slope protection works, which are being finalised to enhance long-term stability and safety. With these milestones achieved, preparations are underway to resume freight transportation.

The MGR has historically been a key artery for moving goods from the port of Mombasa to inland destinations, and its restoration is expected to stabilise supply chains that have been disrupted for nearly a year.

Traders and logistics companies have welcomed the development, noting that the resumption of railway services will reduce transport costs, ease congestion on alternative routes, and improve predictability in delivery schedules.

With the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot line set to reopen fully, Kenya Railways is poised to reinforce its role as a cornerstone of regional trade, facilitating smoother cargo movement across East and Central Africa.

The test run marks a tangible milestone in Kenya Railways’ ongoing rehabilitation efforts, offering a boost to the transport sector and signalling renewed reliability for the critical metre gauge network.