New Nairobi train service starts in July
Photo | SALATON NJAU | NATION A commuter train at the Syokimau Railway Station on MAy 29, 2012. Refurbished trains will be commissioned in July to ease city commuters’ traffic jam nightmare.
By NATION REPORTER
Posted Tuesday, May 29 2012 at 20:38
Posted Tuesday, May 29 2012 at 20:38
Kenyans using Mombasa Road to the city centre will from July have the choice of travelling in refurbished trains from Syokimau to avoid long hours in traffic jams.
Transport minister Amos Kimunya on Tuesday had a taste of the train service that is meant to decongest Mombasa Road and ease access to the city.
Mr Kimunya, Transport permanent secretary Cyrus Njiru, Kenya Railways (KR) managing director Nduva Muli and chairman Jeremiah Kianga travelled in a refurbished train that targets 20,000 new passengers daily.
Currently, KR handles 50,000 passengers daily. The estimated Sh400 million Syokimau Railway Station — the first intercity connection train station with all necessary amenities — is nearly complete and will be commissioned by President Kibaki.
The railway station, which will also have a major shopping mall, targets commuters from Syokimau, Kitengela, Athi River, Machakos and Mombasa.
“The station will enable commuters get to the CBD in 22 minutes as opposed to the usual two hours they spend stuck in traffic jams,” KR said in a statement.
On Tuesday, the train passed through Imara Daima estate, Mukuru kwa Njenga and Sinai slums and made a stop-over at Makadara Station, which is still under construction and is expected to be two times the size of the Syokimau one.
Mr Kimunya said he enjoyed the ride in the train which has a presidential coach with four beds, two toilets, a kitchen, conference facilities and sauna.
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