By MAXIMILLA WAFULA - PATRICK KIMANZI
The County Diary News.
Kenya Railways has successfully conducted a dry run (test operation) on the critical Kijabe section of the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) following the completion of major rehabilitation works, marking an important step toward the eventual full restoration of rail services.
The dry run followed a final technical inspection conducted from Uplands Station through Kijabe to Longonot, aimed at confirming the safety and operational readiness of the line. Rail services along this corridor were suspended in April and May 2024 after unprecedented heavy rains from the Aberdare ranges caused massive flooding and landslides, washing away sections of the track and key drainage structures.
Speaking during the inspection, Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said the works covered a six-kilometre stretch, with an overall operational impact of about 12 kilometres. The project involved the reconstruction and reinforcement of 12 major and minor culverts, several of them deep and technically demanding due to the steep terrain and unstable ground conditions.
“This has been a high-risk and complex project. Our engineers, contractors, and local workers operated in extremely difficult conditions, day and night. The dry run confirms that the section is technically ready, pending final approvals for full commercial operations,” Mainga said. He added that the rehabilitation cost approximately KSh 5 billion.
During the dry run, test freight movements were conducted to assess track stability, drainage performance, and signalling systems. Kenya Railways noted that full freight and passenger services will only resume after final operational clearance, even as protection and monitoring works continue along the corridor.
The Kijabe corridor is a vital artery for regional trade, supporting the movement of fertiliser, farm produce, steel products, containerised cargo, and conventional goods. At full capacity, the line handles more than 10 freight and passenger trains daily, each freight train carrying between 2,000 and 2,300 tonnes. Kenya Railways estimates that each train removes up to 40 heavy trucks from the road, significantly reducing congestion and road damage.
Mainga noted that once fully reopened, the line will benefit traders in Western Kenya and neighbouring countries including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This railway line has served the region for over a century. The successful dry run is a major milestone toward full restoration, regional integration, and sustained economic growth,” he said.
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