The Ministry of Interior has welcomed the return of railway services at the historic Ol Kalou Railway Station after decades of inactivity. The government says the restored line will improve transport, strengthen trade, and support economic growth in the region.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo shared the update on Tuesday, July 14. He said trains resumed operating on the Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu Meter Gauge Railway branch line in June 2026.
Omollo explained that the railway originally opened in 1929 to transport agricultural produce from the region. The line later lost business as road transport expanded, eventually forcing railway services to stop in 1980.
The railway remained inactive for nearly 46 years before the government completed rehabilitation works. Authorities now expect the revived corridor to improve movement across the agricultural region.
Kenya Railways and KDF Led Restoration
According to Omollo, Kenya Railways partnered with the Kenya Defence Forces Engineering Brigade to restore the railway. The project started in 2020 before the government completed financing and operational preparations.
The principal secretary said the current administration finalized the remaining work before relaunching the line. He added that the project reflects the government’s plan to revive strategic transport infrastructure.
The restored railway now carries both passengers and cargo between Nairobi, Ol Kalou, and Nyahururu. The Nyahururu Safari Train, also known as the Thompson Train, now operates along the revived route.
The railway also transports subsidised farm inputs through a dedicated rail siding at the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Ol Kalou. Officials expect the service to reduce transport costs for agricultural supplies.
Freight Operations Already Underway
Kenya Railways revived freight services on the corridor in June by transporting government-subsidised fertiliser. The corporation moved 396 tonnes of fertiliser from Athi River to NCPB depots in Ol Kalou and Nyahururu.
The operation used 11 metre gauge railway wagons, marking the first cargo train to use the line since its closure. Kenya Railways described the journey as a major milestone in restoring regional logistics.
Kenya Railways says several companies have already expressed interest in using the revived railway. Potential customers include firms dealing in fertiliser, cement, dairy products, and freight logistics.
The corporation also expects the railway to transport construction materials, livestock, and agricultural produce. Officials believe the restored line will create new business opportunities while improving transport services across the region.
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