Kenya "Mainline" news June 2015
Posted: 05 Jul 2015, 09:18
From Geoff Warren, following a visit in June 2015
Geoff wrote:Passenger trains:
I have uploaded [attached] a document with outline timings of all the passenger train services that are currently operated in Kenya . To be precise: this excludes the coach that was traditionally attached to Magadi Railway freight trains between Magadi and Kajiado about once per week. It has been mentioned in some tourist guidebooks!
These timings were given by the office of the RVR Passenger Services Manager, or as advertised at the "Syokimau" terminal at NRB. Sadly, since my report of 2012, there has been a significant reduction in the offer. It was stated that the reason is "shortage of locomotives".
Unofficially, it was said that the service to Mombasa was cancelled on many occasions in recent months. Sometimes, this was even after passengers had boarded, leaving them with the need to find accommodation for the night. If you plan to use it, have a "Plan B"!
As mentioned in my previous posting today, it is unofficially reported that a team of railway consultants from Sweden has visited Kenya , with a view to advice on upgrading the Nairobi commuter services.
Motive Power:
English Electric survivor 7105 is still active around Eldoret on the class' traditional duties of shunting and trip freights, such as to Kitale and Sosian. I found 7105 there on 27/6/15.. I think that on delivery in 1969, Class 71 was first allocated to Eldoret. 46 years is a long time for a loco to be associated with one depot!
It is said that 8723 and 9210 are still available for service in Nairobi ; they are the final survivors of their classes. I did not see any of the newly acquired class 96. But by now, most must be commissioned for traffic. Three freight trains seen west of Nairobi in the period 26 to 28 June were hauled by 9311, 9405 and 9406. Evening commuter trains observed at NRB station on 29/6/15 were hauled as follows: 6234 (Kikuyu); 7330 (Syokimau); 6240 (Embakasi) and 9312 (Ruiru).
Infrastructure:
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Residents say that construction really has started on the MSA-NRB phase, but no plans have been published for the precise route through Nairobi and westwards. This is likely to be a politically contentious matter. You are referred to the KRC website!
Nakuru-Kisumu.
This historically significant line is now moribund. On 27/6/15 I visited (by car) the stations at Mau Summit and Turi. Enquiries brought no memory of the last time a train passed. It may have been sometime early in 2014? I say this because in 2012, railway saff in Nairobi said that trains could run occasionally, particularly to the Kisumu container terminal at Kibos. A recent report found through Google regarding Kibos container terminal suggests that a little traffic passed in 2014. See:
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/West ... index.html
It says: "Key roads such as the Nairobi-Nakuru and Kericho-Mau Summit-Kisumu have been undergoing major reconstruction and expansion, making it easier and faster for users." Certainly, in June 2015, the Nakuru-Eldoret road has been improved drastically since my previous journey in 2010.
The condition of the railhead at Mau Summit and Turi suggested very many months (years?) without traffic. However, the track looked surprisingly neat and tidy, thanks to ovine control of vegetation!