By Andrew Mbuva.
Residents of Ol Kalou thronged the town in large numbers to witness the historic arrival of the Nyahururu Safari Train, marking the restoration of passenger rail services on the route after a 46-year suspension.
The landmark event signaled a new chapter for transport and economic development in the region as the Government officially launched operations along the Nairobi–Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu railway corridor.
To commemorate the revival, Economic Advisor to the President Hon. Moses Kuria, accompanied by Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, flagged off a freight train carrying fertilizer, highlighting the strategic importance of rail transport in reducing logistics costs, supporting agricultural productivity, and stimulating regional economic growth.
The revived service will operate two passenger round trips every week alongside dedicated freight services, providing residents with an affordable, reliable, and efficient transport alternative while enhancing connectivity between major towns along the corridor.
Speaking during the launch, Hon. Kuria described the return of rail services as a major milestone for the people of Gilgil, Ol Kalou, Nyahururu, and surrounding areas. He noted that the railway would not only improve mobility but also unlock new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment.
"The restoration of this rail line is a transformative project that will connect communities, lower transportation costs, and create new economic opportunities for businesses and farmers," he said.
The revival of the Nyahururu rail line aligns with the Government's infrastructure development agenda under President William Ruto's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to leverage modern transport systems to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance regional development.
By reconnecting communities and improving market access, the project is expected to boost local economies while strengthening Kenya's integrated transport network.
Government officials said the initiative reflects President Ruto's vision of building a competitive, connected, and prosperous nation through strategic investments in infrastructure, logistics, and public services that directly improve the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.
Among those present during the occasion were Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, UDA Party candidate for the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election Samuel Muchina Nyagah, members of the Kenya Railways Board, and several Nyandarua County Members of the County Assembly.
The return of the train service has been widely welcomed by residents and business operators, who expressed optimism that the railway will spur economic activity, ease the movement of goods and passengers, and restore the region's historical importance as a key transport hub.
