Kenya Railways has officially announced the end of the additional Kisumu Safari Train trips that were introduced during the festive season. The railway operator has reverted to its regular schedule, with the Nairobi-to-Kisumu train operating every Friday and returning from Kisumu to Nairobi every Sunday.
In a statement, Kenya Railways expressed gratitude to its customers for utilizing the additional services during the holiday period. “We wish to inform our esteemed customers that the Kisumu Safari Train has reverted to the normal weekly schedule. The train will depart from Nairobi Central Station for Kisumu every Friday at 5:30 pm and make its return trip from Kisumu to Nairobi every Sunday at 6 pm,” the statement read.
The additional trips, which had been implemented from December 19, 2024, were introduced to accommodate the surge in travelers heading to Nyanza and Western Kenya for the festive season. These extra services provided critical relief during a period often characterized by heavy traffic congestion on major highways. Trains departed from Nairobi Central Station on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4 pm, while return trips from Kisumu Railway Station were scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 6:30 pm.
The initiative aimed to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion on roads leading to Kisumu, particularly during peak travel seasons. Historically, highways connecting Nairobi to regions in Nyanza and Western Kenya experience significant delays, often exacerbated by vehicle overlapping and other traffic violations. The availability of additional train services offered a reliable alternative for travelers, ensuring punctuality and comfort.
By providing more frequent train schedules, Kenya Railways contributed to easing the strain on road transport networks. This move not only helped reduce travel times but also underscored the railway operator’s role in promoting sustainable and efficient transportation options.
With the conclusion of the holiday period, Kenya Railways has returned to its standard operations. The regular weekly schedule now allows travelers to depart Nairobi for Kisumu on Fridays at 5:30 pm and return from Kisumu on Sundays at 6 pm. This consistent service continues to provide a vital link between the two cities for leisure and business travelers alike.
Kenya Railways has thanked its customers for their support during the festive season and reaffirmed its commitment to offering reliable transportation. “We thank you for choosing Kenya Railways and look forward to serving you,” the statement concluded.
The success of the additional holiday services highlights the potential for expanded rail operations in Kenya, especially during high-demand periods. As the country invests in infrastructure and expands rail connectivity, such initiatives could become more frequent, helping to address the growing demand for efficient transport solutions.
For now, travelers can plan their journeys around the weekly schedule, confident in the reliability of the Kisumu Safari Train for their transport needs.
