• But this triumph was born out of tragedy. In 2024, a gully that blocked the tunnel burst, sending torrents of water down Mai Mahiu and destroying parts of the track.

Are you a business entrepreneur looking to ship your goods but limited by the specifications the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has set?

For Nakuru farmers, that barrier has finally been lifted. Products can now move seamlessly from the farms to the borders, thanks to the reopening of the historic Kijabe railway line by Philip Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways, on January 19, 2026.

The breakthrough comes on the back of innovation. With the reefer wagons introduced in March 2025, perishable goods can now be transported in bulk without fear of spoilage. For Nakuru’s agricultural community, this is more than convenience—it is access to regional markets at scale.

But this triumph was born out of tragedy. In 2024, a gully that blocked the tunnel burst, sending torrents of water down Mai Mahiu and destroying parts of the track.

The disaster claimed 61 lives, leaving many buried beneath the soil. Reconstruction efforts that followed were met with fear and resistance, as citizens worried Kenya Railways was simply rebuilding the same hazard. A court case filed between 2024 and 2025 halted progress, freezing hopes of recovery.

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Relief came in August 2025, when Justice Mary Oundo ruled the railway a strategic national asset, preventing further delays. She assured the public that expert engineers were working to secure the line.

Allegedly, even regional delegations—including one from Uganda—pressed for fast‑tracking the project, underscoring its cross‑border importance.

The Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) in Nakuru has already saved the country billions of shillings. Funds once earmarked for extending the SGR now find purpose in this reopened line, which has become the primary link for bulk transportation. Fertilizer, grain, steel, and edible oils are among the volumes expected to flow through Nakuru, positioning the city as a vital artery for trade.

For landlocked neighbors like Uganda and Rwanda, Nakuru’s railway is more than infrastructure—it is a lifeline. And for locals, the station promises opportunity. Just as Nairobi’s hub has spurred small businesses and vibrant commerce, Nakuru’s station is set to become a hive of activity, empowering communities around it.

With its tracks now open, Nakuru is proving itself a socio‑economic giant in Kenya, ready to carry the weight of regional trade into the future.

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