Kenya Railways announces date when Kisumu Safari Train will resume operations
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 3, 2025The Kisumu Safari Train is expected to be back on track in time for the Christmas holidays, as Kenya Railways completes repairs on the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot Meter Gauge Railway (MGR). The line, which suffered major damage during heavy rains in April last year, is now more than 70 per cent restored.
Kenya Railways confirmed the progress in a statement, saying engineers are working to reopen the route by December. The move will allow passenger services to resume between Nairobi and Kisumu, giving holiday travellers and tourism businesses a welcome boost.
“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 in part.
“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 rehabilitation work involves laying new culverts, strengthening embankments and rebuilding drainage systems. The aim is to protect the track from future weather damage and ensure reliable service throughout the year.
Costly repairs and delays
When the railway was washed away, then Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen estimated that repairs would cost around Ksh1 billion. He said the destruction stretched across several sections between Rironi and Longonot and would require significant investment to repair.
The closure affected both travellers and cargo transport. Freight trains that normally move goods from Mombasa to western Kenya and further to Uganda and South Sudan had to reroute, adding delays and costs to the Northern Corridor.
With the line set to reopen, Kenya Railways says the route will once again support movement across the region.
“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 said.
“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.”
The return of the Kisumu Safari Train is likely to draw strong interest from travellers heading to the lakeside city for the festive season, marking a major step in restoring full railway services across the country.