Kenya Railways has moved to reassure passengers using the Nairobi-Ol Kalou-Nyahururu railway, maintaining that the service is safe and will continue running as scheduled despite warnings by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for residents to keep off the train.
In a statement on Saturday, July 11, the corporation said the passenger service remains fully operational, with trains departing Nairobi for Nyahururu every Tuesday and Friday, while return trips from Nyahururu are scheduled for every Wednesday and Sunday.
“The train operates consistently from Nairobi to Nyahururu every Tuesday and Friday and makes a return trip every Wednesday and Sunday, offering a safe, reliable, efficient and affordable travel experience,” the agency said.
Beyond passenger transport, Kenya Railways said the line continues to play a key role in moving freight across the region, including fertiliser, farm produce, construction materials and other bulk cargo, helping support farmers, businesses and trade along the corridor.
“Kenya Railways also continues to facilitate the movement of freight, including fertiliser, agricultural produce, construction materials and other bulk cargo, driving economic growth along the corridor,” it added.
The corporation said it expects the railway to carry more than 5,000 tonnes of cargo and over 1,000 passengers on every trip as efforts continue to restore the importance of the country’s metre-gauge railway network.
The statement comes after Gachagua questioned the safety of the railway during a political rally ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Addressing residents on Friday, July 10, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader urged them not to board the train, claiming it had been brought back for political reasons.
“They brought a fake train to Ol Kalou after 45 years of absence, and it knocked a few vehicles because there are no signs. I am asking the people of Ol Kalou to avoid that train. It is a disaster in the making,” Gachagua said.
He also argued that the railway had remained unused for about 45 years and claimed its return just before the by-election was aimed at swaying voters.
The Gilgil-Ol Kalou-Nyahururu railway line resumed operations on June 2, 2026, marking the return of services on the 96-year-old metre-gauge line after nearly five decades.
The railway had been inactive since the late 1970s when both passenger and freight transport shifted to road networks. Its reopening restored rail services to the area and is expected to improve the movement of both people and goods.