Kenya Railway to resume freight transportation after Uplands–Kijabe corridor repaired

Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga leads other official during the test run of Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot railway corridor/Handout

The Kenya Railways Corporation has announced that rehabilitation works on the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot railway corridor are now fully complete, marking a major step towards the resumption of freight services along the route.

In a statement issued on Monday, the corporation said all core repair works have been concluded and successful test rides conducted to confirm the safety and operational readiness of the line. The only outstanding activity is slope protection, which is being finalised to enhance long-term stability and safety in the affected areas.

Kenya Railways is now preparing to resume freight transportation through the Kijabe corridor, a critical link connecting the port of Mombasa to Nyanza and Western Kenya, as well as regional destinations including Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Following completion of the rehabilitation works, the corporation successfully conducted a test run from Uplands Railway Station to Kijabe–Longonot Railway Station. The test ride forms part of preparations for the resumption of operations on the metre-gauge railway corridor serving the Uplands, Kijabe and Longonot sections.

Operations along the corridor were suspended after above-normal rainfall in April and May 2024 caused extensive damage, washing away sections of the railway line around Kijabe and rendering the route impassable. The incident disrupted rail transport between Mombasa, Kenya’s hinterland and neighbouring countries.

The heavy rains also triggered widespread destruction in nearby communities, with at least 100 homes swept away and about 60 people killed.

Freight movement was severely affected, disrupting the transportation of farm inputs, agricultural produce, steel products, containerised cargo and other goods after the corporation halted operations on the line.

Speaking during the test ride, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga described the development as a major boost to the corporation’s operations and a significant relief to traders.

“Freight transportation is set to resume after the successful test runs. This milestone brings relief to traders from Western Kenya and neighbouring countries including Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Mainga said.

He added that while the full restoration of the railway track has been completed, protection works and river training activities will continue even as train operations resume along the affected section.