Kenya Railways has attributed a fire that broke out on the Magadi train operated by Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd at Simba Station to a suspected mechanical fault in the locomotive’s fuel system.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, the corporation said preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have started after damage to the locomotive’s fuel tank caused a fuel leak, which subsequently ignited. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Kenya Railways stated that it is working closely with Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd following the incident and has dispatched a response team to the scene to support ongoing efforts.
Train fire incident. Photo: Courtesy.
The corporation added that the two organisations are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and pledged to provide further updates once more information becomes available.
Separately, Kenya Railways announced that construction of the long-awaited Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has officially begun in Narok County.
The corporation described the start of construction as a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure development, noting that the project follows its official launch by President William Ruto in March 2026.
According to Kenya Railways, Narok County will play a key role in the project, with approximately 100 kilometres of the railway corridor passing through the county.
The agency said local residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the economic opportunities, improved connectivity, and employment expected to come with the project.
Kenya Railways also called on landowners and other affected persons to cooperate with the relevant government agencies during the land acquisition process, assuring them that any concerns would be addressed through the established legal procedures.
