KR warns against driving along railway lines
By Faith Lagat, August 30, 2025Kenya Railways has issued a stern public notice, cautioning members of the public against the dangerous practice of driving motor vehicles along railway lines.
The warning, dated August 29, 2025, comes amid rising concerns over safety and environmental challenges, including air pollution linked to road transport, highlighted during the recent Clean-Air Forum in Nairobi.
“Kenya Railways wishes to caution members of the public against the dangerous practice of driving motor vehicles along the railway line,” read part of the public notice on their website on August 30.
The notice underscores that driving along railway lines poses significant risks to motorists, passengers, and train operations. According to Kenya Railways, such behavior can lead to severe accidents, property damage, injuries, or even loss of life. Past incidents of unauthorized driving have disrupted rail operations, endangering both lives and infrastructure.
“This behavior poses a serious risk to the safety of motorists, passengers, and train operations. It may also result in severe accidents, damage to property, injury, or loss of life,” read the notice.
Strict enforcement
Kenya Railways emphasized that railway lines and reserves are designated solely for train operations. Unauthorized driving or parking along the tracks is prohibited, and offenders are liable to prosecution under the law.
The statement highlights the corporation’s commitment to protecting its infrastructure, particularly after Auditor General Nancy Gathungu revealed that 529 parcels of KRC land had been illegally allocated or encroached upon, affecting strategic areas in Mombasa, Limuru, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
To safeguard the public, Kenya Railways urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid walking or driving along railway tracks, cross only at designated level crossings, and always follow road and rail safety rules. The corporation appealed for collective responsibility, noting that compliance would help ensure the safety of everyone using the rail network.
Environmental concerns
The warning aligns with broader environmental issues highlighted during the Clean-Air Forum, where transport was identified as the largest contributor to air pollution in urban areas.
Residents such as Helen, who reported heavy fumes on Ngong’ Road in July 2025, exemplify the problem. Experts, including George Mwaniki of the World Resources Institute, noted that vehicle emissions are the leading source of pollutants in African cities.
The forum also advocated for stricter enforcement of emission standards and the adoption of e-mobility solutions, with Nairobi Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria pledging measures to ensure vehicles switch off engines at bus stops to reduce pollution.
Kenya Railways’ notice is a timely intervention, urging public compliance to safeguard lives, protect infrastructure, and contribute to reducing environmental hazards associated with transportation.