From silence to steam: Nairobi to Nyahururu rail resumes after 46 years

A medium-gauge railway passenger train leaves Nairobi Central Railway Terminus for Nyahururu, Laikipia County on June 1, 2026.

The whistle of a passenger train echoed once again along the Nairobi–Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu corridor on Monday, marking the return of rail services to the region after a 46-year hiatus.

The first passenger train bound for Nyahururu departed Nairobi Central Railway Station at about 1.30pm, signalling the revival of one of Kenya's historic railway routes that had remained dormant since 1980.

Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano is expected to officially launch operations between Ol Kalou and Nyahururu on Tuesday, capping years of rehabilitation work undertaken by Kenya Railways.

Dubbed the "Thompson Railway" because of its link to Thompson Falls in Nyahururu, the line was originally constructed in the 1920s, with operations commencing in 1929. For decades, it played a crucial role in opening up the Aberdare Highlands and parts of the Rift Valley, transporting agricultural produce, livestock, timber and passengers.

The 77.8-kilometre Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu section had fallen into disuse due to deteriorating infrastructure and declining freight volumes, leading to the suspension of operations.

Kenya Railways said the restoration forms part of the government's wider plan to modernise and revitalise the country's railway network while improving regional connectivity.

The rehabilitation works included track repairs and maintenance, ballasting, bush clearing, upgrading passenger stations, rehabilitating locomotives and rolling stock, and enhancing operational infrastructure along the corridor.

Passengers travelling on the route will pay Sh450 for economy class between Nairobi and Gilgil, Sh550 to Ol Kalou and Sh600 to Nyahururu. First-class fares have been set at Sh960, Sh1,160 and Sh1,300, respectively.

The service will make four trips weekly.

Even before the official relaunch, freight operations have resumed, with Kenya Railways transporting 396 tonnes of government-subsidised fertiliser from Athi River Railway Station to National Cereals and Produce Board depots in Ol Kalou and Nyahururu.

Kenya Railways said the revived line is expected to unlock economic opportunities by improving access to markets, lowering transport costs and supporting trade and tourism across the region.

The railway will also facilitate cargo movement between production areas and the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, strengthening Kenya's integrated transport and logistics system.

According to Kenya Railways, the return of passenger and freight services will enhance mobility, improve access to social services, stimulate investment, create jobs and support sustainable economic growth.

The agency said the milestone aligns with the government's Vision 2030 agenda, positioning railway transport as a key driver of regional development and stronger connectivity between communities, markets and production centres.