Historic Return of Nyahururu Safari Train After 46 Years Sparks Economic Revival in Central Kenya

Residents of Ol Kalou and surrounding areas turned out in large numbers to witness the historic return of the Nyahururu Safari Train, marking the restoration of passenger rail services after a 46-year hiatus.

The long-awaited revival of the railway service has been hailed as a major milestone in regional transport and economic development, reconnecting communities along the Nairobi–Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu corridor.

The occasion also marked the official launch of freight operations, with Hon. Moses Kuria and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga flagging off a freight train loaded with fertilizer, underscoring the government’s push to reduce logistics costs and support agricultural productivity.

The restored line will operate two passenger round trips per week, alongside dedicated freight services aimed at easing the movement of goods and improving access to markets for farmers and traders.

Speaking during the launch, Hon. Moses Kuria said the return of the railway service represents a transformative moment for residents of Gilgil, Ol Kalou, Nyahururu and neighboring regions, noting that it will provide a safe, affordable and efficient transport alternative.

He added that the service is expected to unlock new opportunities in trade, tourism and investment, while strengthening economic linkages between rural and urban centres.

The revival of the Nyahururu rail line aligns with the government’s infrastructure agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation framework, which prioritizes modern transport systems as drivers of job creation, regional integration and economic growth.

Officials said the project demonstrates ongoing efforts to build an integrated national transport network that lowers the cost of doing business while improving livelihoods for ordinary Kenyans.

The launch event was attended by senior government officials, including Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, Kenya Railways Board members, and a delegation of Nyandarua County leaders and MCAs who witnessed the historic moment.

Local leaders welcomed the development, describing it as a long-overdue intervention that will revitalize the local economy and restore Nyahururu’s status as a key transport hub in the region.

Nyahururu Safari Train was officially relaunched, with freight operations led by Kenya Railways Corporation and supported by Moses Kuria.