Kenya Railways (KR) has categorically denied any operational issues affecting its Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).
The statement comes in response to an article published by Nation Media’s Weekly Review Magazine on August 11, 2024, which raised concerns about the performance of the DMUs in the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) service.
“Contrary to the story, the eleven DMUs acquired by KR in 2020 are fully operational and in good condition,” stated Kenya Railways in an official release.
The agency affirmed that these DMUs, which operate on the Metre Gauge Railway lines, remain on schedule and run daily without complications.
Kenya Railways underscored its commitment to passenger safety, explaining that regular maintenance checks are an integral part of its operational procedures for all locomotives and coaches.
“We are bound to recall and detach locomotives and/or coaches for routine maintenance, which takes place at the Nairobi Railway Central workshops,” the statement elaborated, emphasizing the necessity of these procedures for ensuring the ongoing safety and comfort of its passengers.
Furthermore, KR clarified that a recent rescheduling of engine units was not indicative of malfunctions but rather a strategic response to passenger demand.
Initially designated for the Nairobi-Syokimau route, the DMUs were reassigned to serve the Embakasi route, where ridership was significantly higher.
In turn, the service on the Syokimau route was enhanced through the introduction of a high-capacity train.
Kenya Railways noted that the successful phase one implementation of the masterplan has resulted in increased demand for commuter services.
Looking ahead, KR is set to embark on phase two of the masterplan under the Nairobi Railway City Project, focusing on procuring new high-capacity Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) with a seating capacity of 1,200—double that of the current DMUs.
The agency reassured the public about its ongoing commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and comfortable rail transport services.
With a focus on modernization and capacity expansion, Kenya Railways is poised to better meet the needs of Nairobi’s growing commuter population, reaffirming its position as a key player in the country’s transportation sector.
