Kenya Railways has officially announced the resumption of its Kisumu Safari train service, offering travelers a scenic and cost-effective journey between Nairobi and Kisumu. This comes after months of suspension due to extensive rehabilitation of the railway line.
Schedule and Operations
The train service is set to resume on Friday, December 6, 2024. According to the schedule, the train will depart Nairobi Central Station every Friday at 4:00 p.m. and arrive at Kisumu Station the following day at 6:30 a.m. The return trip will follow the same route, departing Kisumu every Sunday and arriving in Nairobi on Monday morning.
“We are pleased to announce that our Kisumu Safari train service has resumed. Please review the detailed information below for adequate preparation. Thank you for choosing our service!” stated Kenya Railways.
Passengers on this route will use three different trains for the journey. The route begins at Nairobi Central Station at 4:00 p.m., with the first stop at Nairobi Terminus around 5:20 p.m., where travelers will board the Madaraka Express Train to Maai Mahiu.
At Maai Mahiu Station, passengers will transfer to an MGR train at 6:55 p.m. for an overnight journey, arriving at Kisumu Station by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. The same route will be used for the return trip.
Ticket Prices and Class Options
Travelers can choose between two ticket classes:
Economy Class: Ksh 900
First Class: Ksh 2,400
The service promises modern amenities and a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
Passenger Guidelines
To ensure a smooth journey, Kenya Railways has issued the following guidelines:
Passengers with cargo exceeding 1.6 meters in width and 2 meters in length will not be allowed to board the train.
Travelers must arrive at least one hour before departure for verification procedures.
The Nairobi-Kisumu train services were suspended earlier this year due to extensive damage caused by heavy rains and flooding. Kenya Railways halted operations to prioritize passenger safety during the rehabilitation of the affected railway lines. On November 12, the company announced that plans to restore the service were at an advanced stage, aiming for resumption by the festive season.
Rehabilitation Efforts
The Nairobi-Kisumu train services were suspended earlier this year due to extensive damage caused by heavy rains and flooding. Kenya Railways halted operations to prioritize passenger safety during the rehabilitation of the affected railway lines. On November 12, the company announced that plans to restore the service were at an advanced stage, aiming for resumption by the festive season.
A Scenic and Affordable Option
The Kisumu Safari train offers breathtaking views of Kenya’s diverse landscapes, coupled with modern facilities and affordable fares. This makes it a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience and a memorable travel experience between Nairobi and Kisumu.
Kenya Railways invites all passengers to take advantage of the newly restored service and enjoy the journey.