The Kisumu Safari Train is expected to be back on track by December 2025, as Kenya Railways moves to complete repairs on the damaged Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot Meter Gauge Railway line.
The corporation said the works, which began after heavy rains destroyed key sections last year, are almost done and the line will reopen next month.
In a statement on Monday, Kenya Railways confirmed that repairs on the line, which was severely damaged by floods in April 2024, are now 70 per cent complete.
"In April 2024, unprecedented rains and severe washaways damaged sections of the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line, disrupting rail services and affecting both freight and passenger movement along the corridor," the statement read.
"Kenya Railways is proud to report steady progress in the restoration of this critical MGR infrastructure, which is currently over 70 per cent complete, with a target to reopen the line by December 2025."
The ongoing works include building new culverts, strengthening embankments, improving drainage, and upgrading the track to handle harsh weather in future.
The damage had forced a suspension of rail movement between Rironi and Longonot, cutting off at least five points along the route.
Former Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier estimated that the repairs would cost about Ksh1 billion, noting the scale of destruction seen during the floods.
"We have not done the total computation, but as you can see, the destruction is massive and so we require a sizeable amount of investment to restore it," Murkomen said after inspecting the site in April.
The disruption had slowed cargo movement from Mombasa to Kampala and affected travel for passengers connecting to the western region. Kenya Railways said reopening the line will boost movement across the country and improve regional trade.
"When it reopens in December, the MGR will restore a key connection between the Central and Western regions, paving the way for the resumption of the Kisumu Safari Train, which will enhance travel, trade, and tourism across the Lake Region," Kenya Railways stated.
"Freight operations will also resume, facilitating the efficient movement of cargo destined for the Western region as well as transit cargo to Uganda, South Sudan, and beyond, further reinforcing Kenya’s role as the gateway to East and Central Africa."
