Kenya Railways takes decisive action amidst adverse weather conditions, announcing the temporary suspension of all commuter train services due to widespread flooding across the nation.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, the corporation cites the inundation of rail lines by floodwaters as the primary reason for the suspension, prioritizing the safety of passengers.
The directive specifically impacts Nairobi Commuter Rail services operating between Nairobi Central station and destinations such as Kitengela, Limuru, Embakasi Village, Kahawa West, Syokimau, and Ruiru. However, it does not affect passengers utilizing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
"We wish to notify members of the public that commuter train services have been temporarily suspended due to the ongoing heavy rains that have affected the rail lines," the notice states, emphasizing the corporation's commitment to customer safety.
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused, Kenya Railways assures the public that normal services will resume once conditions improve.
The suspension coincides with mounting concerns over poor drainage systems exacerbating flooding woes across the country. Major highways like Mombasa Road and Thika Road have been severely impacted, leading to significant traffic disruptions during peak hours.
In response to public outcry, calls have intensified for government intervention to mitigate flooding and address infrastructure deficiencies. Criticism has been directed towards county governments for their perceived inaction despite prior forecasts issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja responds to the situation by deploying teams to address sewage and drainage blockages, urging residents to adhere to evacuation directives, particularly in areas prone to flooding due to construction on riparian land.