Kenya Railways is set to revive passenger rail services along the Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu line after four decades.

Managing Director of Kenya Railways Philip Maingi announced that preparations for the official launch of the long-awaited service have been completed, with the maiden journey scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The revived route will connect key towns including Gilgil, Ol Kalou, and Nyahururu, restoring a transport corridor that has remained inactive for about 40 years.

“We have managed to confirm this line is ready for operations. We’ll be running trains from Nairobi all the way to Gilgil, from Gilgil to Ol Kalou, then to Nyahururu,” Maingi said.

The revived railway line is expected to reconnect key towns, including Gilgil, Ol Kalou, and Nyahururu, easing transport for passengers and traders across Nakuru and Nyandarua counties.

Maingi said the service will offer an affordable transport alternative and help residents save on travel costs.

“We’ll be bringing people from different areas. We’ll be using this train, and our fares and our cost compared to other means of transport is fair,” he said. “We want to put money back into the people’s pockets.”

SGR extension boosts Kenya’s economy

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has lauded the government’s effort to extend the Standard Gauge Railway beyond Naivasha to Kisumu, Malaba and into Uganda.

According to Kindiki, extension of the SGR will help Kenya achieve its ambition of joining a first-world economic status.

“Extension of the Standard Gauge Railway is a key milestone in the journey of Kenya’s aspiration to join first-world economic status within a single generation, as Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, and China did,” the DP said on Saturday, March 21, 2026, through a social media post.

“A modern railway system, seaports, airports and road networks are key trade and investment enablers with the potential of accelerating the development of Kenya into a globally competitive market economy,” he added.

“Transforming Kenya, one step at a time.”

According to the Head of State, extension of the railway to Kisumu, Malaba and into the neighbouring countries will spur economic growth.

“The Kenya-Uganda Railway, a colonial infrastructure traversing Kenya from the Coast to the Western region and into Uganda, profoundly shaped the geography and economic trajectory of our region,” Ruto said.

“It laid the foundation upon which towns emerged, grew, and evolved into thriving urban centres and cities. By catalysing trade and unlocking economic potential, the railway determined which centres flourished into vibrant metropolises, becoming lifelines of commerce and connectivity across East Africa.