By Jeff Kizzilah/ Digital Editor
The Kenya Railways Corporation Managing Director together with the senior management team today conducted a successful test ride on the revitalized Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) branch line, marking a major milestone toward the full operationalization of the corridor.
The restored railway line is expected to significantly transform freight and passenger transport across Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Laikipia Counties by providing a more efficient, affordable, and reliable alternative to road transport.
Once fully operational, the corridor will facilitate the movement of key commodities including milk, cement, cereals, potatoes, animal feeds, and a wide range of agricultural produce.
This is expected to lower transport costs for farmers and traders while enhancing market access and improving supply chain efficiency across the region.
The revitalized line is also anticipated to strengthen inter-county connectivity through an integrated road–rail transport system, easing congestion on major highways and improving logistics for both small-scale farmers and large-scale producers.
Beyond domestic benefits, the branch line is set to play a strategic role in regional trade integration. It will connect the three counties to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD), linking directly to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network and the Port of Mombasa.
This integration will further open up seamless trade routes to the wider East and Central African region, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Tanzania—positioning the corridor as a critical artery for regional commerce.
Speaking during the test ride, the Kenya Railways management underscored that the project reflects the corporation’s continued commitment to driving economic growth, enhancing regional integration, and promoting sustainable and efficient transport solutions in line with Kenya’s development agenda.
The revitalization of the Gilgil–Nyahururu line is expected to unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate investment along the corridor, and reinforce Kenya’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub.
