Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has highlighted the significance of the reopening of the Ol Kalou Railway Station, saying the project marks the revival of the historic Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu Meter Gauge Railway branch line after nearly 46 years of inactivity.
In a statement, Omollo noted that the reopening, which took place in June 2026, restored operations along the 78-kilometre railway corridor that had remained dormant since services were discontinued in 1980.
According to the PS, the railway was originally constructed by the colonial administration and commissioned in 1929 to facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce from the fertile Nyandarua region to other parts of the country.
Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu Railway. Photo: Courtesy.
However, the line gradually fell into disuse over the years due to shifting economic priorities, inadequate maintenance and increasing competition from road transport before operations eventually came to a halt.
Omollo explained that the restoration of the railway was implemented through a partnership between Kenya Railways and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Engineering Brigade.
He noted that although rehabilitation works began in August 2020, the financing, operationalisation and eventual relaunch of the railway were completed under President William Ruto’s administration.
According to the Interior PS, the revival of the line demonstrates the government’s commitment to restoring strategic transport infrastructure while opening up new economic opportunities for agricultural communities.
He added that the railway is now supporting both passenger and freight transport across the region.
The revived corridor hosts the Nyahururu Safari Train, popularly known as the Thompson Train, which connects Nairobi with Ol Kalou and Nyahururu, providing residents and visitors with an alternative mode of transport.
In addition, a dedicated railway siding serving the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Ol Kalou Depot has been established to facilitate the transportation of subsidised farm inputs, a move expected to improve efficiency in the agricultural sector.
Omollo further stated that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is playing a key role in supporting the railway’s operations by coordinating security and public safety measures along the corridor.
He noted that the department is working to safeguard the railway infrastructure while ensuring the safety of passengers, cargo, railway stations and communities located along the route.
