By Elijah Odanga
Rail connectivity between the Port of Mombasa and East Africa’s hinterland is set for a major boost following the successful completion of a test ride between Uplands and Longonot stations.
Kenya Railways confirmed that a test locomotive successfully traversed the Uplands-Kijabe-Longonot corridor, marking a critical step toward the full resumption of operations on this vital Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) section.
Overcoming Climate Disruptions
Operations along this specific corridor were paralyzed in early 2024 following the devastating “above-normal” rainfall in April and May. The heavy downpours triggered wash-aways along the Kijabe sections, rendering the line impassable and severing a primary artery for regional trade.
The suspension of service had a ripple effect across the East African economy, disrupting the flow of:
- Agricultural Essentials: Farm inputs and fresh produce.
- Industrial Materials: Steel products and construction materials.
- Global Trade: Containerized and conventional cargo destined for landlocked neighbors.
- A “Big Relief” for Regional Traders
Speaking during the test exercise, Kenya Railways Managing Director Mr. Philip Mainga hailed the milestone as a turning point for the corporation and the regional business community.
“We are delighted to achieve this important milestone today. This clears the way for us to resume normal operations and continue offering safe, reliable, and efficient services to our clients,” said Mr. Mainga.
The restoration is expected to provide immediate relief to traders in Western Kenya, as well as those in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who rely on the corridor for cost-effective freight transport.
Current Status and Next Steps
While the railway track itself is now fully restored, Kenya Railways noted that auxiliary works will continue in tandem with train operations. These include:
- Ongoing protection works to reinforce the track against future weather events.
- River training works to manage water flow around the railway infrastructure.
Freight services are scheduled to resume officially once the final series of safety test runs are concluded.
