By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The Kenya Railways Authority has announced the resumption of commuter train services on four routes.
Earlier on Wednesday, the authority had announced that the commuter train services across the country had been temporarily suspended.
But in an update a few hours later, it said all the services would remain suspended – except for the four routes.
According to the agency, the said services will run as per the normal schedule.
The four routes are for Lukenya, Syokimau, Embakasi Village and Link train to Nairobi Terminus.
“In addition to this, the Madaraka Express Service to and from Nairobi and Mombasa is not affected and is operating as per the normal schedules,” Kenya Railways said in the statement.
However, operations for other commuter train services remain suspended.
The suspension, the agency insists is for the safety of commuters following floodings in several parts of Nairobi and its environment.
“We wish to notify members of the public that owing to the heavy rains being experienced around the country, there are increased instances of overflooding and washaways along the rivers. The flood water has found its way on the railway network affecting our operations in Dandora-Mwiki, Sagana-Murang’a, Turbo, and Naivasha sections,” the authority said.
It noted that due to the current situation, they will occasionally suspend trains in areas they consider risky.
“In line with this, the Ruiru, Limuru Commuter trains and the Nairobi Terminus to Ngong Commuter train, Kisumu Safari Train as well as Nanyuki Safari Train have been suspended due to the above-mentioned reasons,” Kenya Railways said.
It has however asked customers in the routes affected “to bear with us as we work to restore normalcy.”
“We wish to assure the public that the safety of our passengers will always remain paramount to us,” the authority said.
The floods have also affected several roads within the Nairobi City County.
