Commuters relying on Kenya Railways’ morning link trains to Lukenya and Syokimau were met with unexpected delays on Thursday, April 24, after the operator announced a suspension of services due to a blockage on the railway line at Mukuru.
In an official statement shared on its social media platform X, Kenya Railways informed the public that the disruption had rendered the routes temporarily inaccessible. “Kindly note that owing to a blockage of the line at Mukuru, the morning link trains to Lukenya and Syokimau will not run,” read the notice.
The blockage has not been specified in detail, but sources suggest it may have resulted from debris or unauthorized activity along the track a recurring challenge in densely populated urban areas where encroachments and waste dumping near railway lines are common.
Kenya Railways assured affected passengers that a technical team had already been deployed to assess and remove the obstruction as quickly as possible. “Our team is on the ground working to ensure that normal services are restored as soon as possible,” the agency stated.
The corporation extended an apology to all passengers inconvenienced by the abrupt halt in services. “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and will notify you once normal services resume,” the statement concluded.
The Lukenya and Syokimau routes are key commuter lines serving thousands of Nairobi residents, especially those traveling from satellite towns into the city for work. The suspension left many scrambling for alternative transport options during the morning rush hour, causing significant delays and increased traffic on major roads.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in Nairobi’s transport network and the reliance many commuters have on timely rail services. While Kenya Railways continues to invest in infrastructure and modernization, operational challenges like these underscore the need for robust contingency plans and better coordination with urban planning authorities.
Commuters have been urged to stay tuned to official Kenya Railways channels for updates regarding the restoration of services as work to clear the blockage continues.
