KENYA RAILWAYS MARKS MAJOR MILESTONE TOWARD RESTORING METRE GAUGE OPERATIONS.

BY NJOKI KARANJA
Nairobi, Kenya — January 2026.

Kenya Railways has taken a major step toward restoring rail connectivity between the coast and the region’s hinterland after successfully conducting a test ride along the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot section of the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR).
The test run marks a critical milestone in preparations to resume freight operations on the corridor, which has remained closed since April and May 2024 when unusually heavy rainfall washed away sections of the track around Kijabe, rendering the line impassable.
The disruption had far-reaching consequences for regional trade, halting rail transportation between the Port of Mombasa, Kenya’s inland markets and neighboring countries. Freight movement of farm inputs and produce, steel products, containerized cargo and other conventional goods was significantly affected.
Speaking during the test ride, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga described the development as a major boost to the corporation’s operations and to regional trade.
“This is a big relief to traders from Kenya’s western region and those from our neighboring countries of Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Mainga said. “We are delighted to achieve this important milestone today. It clears the way for us to resume normal operations and continue offering safe, reliable and efficient services to our clients.”

According to Kenya Railways, full restoration of the affected railway track has now been completed. While protection works and river training activities will continue as a safeguard against future weather-related damage, freight train operations are expected to resume once all test runs are finalized.

The reopening of the Uplands–Kijabe–Longonot section is expected to ease pressure on road transport, lower logistics costs and restore a vital link in the regional supply chain, reinforcing rail’s role as a backbone of trade across East and Central Africa.

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