Kenya Railways Revives Gilgil-Nyahururu Branch Line, Signaling New Era for Agricultural Supply Chains
Kenya Railways has resumed operations on the Gilgil-Nyahururu branch line, a corridor dormant for 46 years, opening new possibilities for freight and agricultural logistics.
n a landmark moment for Kenya's rail freight sector, Kenya Railways has resumed operations on the Gilgil-Nyahururu branch line, a corridor that had been dormant for 46 years.
The revival was inaugurated with the transportation of 396 tonnes of Government-subsidized fertilizer from Athi River Railway Station to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots in Ol Kalou and Nyahururu, using 11 Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) wagons.
The movement marks the first cargo train to operate on this corridor since its closure, underscoring the strategic role rail transport can play in strengthening agricultural and commodity supply chains across the region.
The revival of the line has already attracted considerable interest from key industry stakeholders. OCP Kenya has expressed interest in fertilizer transportation, while Bamburi Cement PLC is eyeing the corridor for cement distribution.
New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) sees potential for dairy logistics, and Autoports Freight Terminals Ltd. is exploring broader freight and logistics opportunities.
Additional sectors under consideration include construction materials such as sand and building stones, as well as livestock and related agricultural products.
This growing commercial interest signals that the Gilgil-Nyahururu corridor could evolve into a critical freight artery for central Kenya, opening new possibilities for businesses seeking cost-effective and reliable alternatives to road transport.
This development aligns with Kenya's broader Vision 2030 agenda, which positions railway transport as a key enabler of both micro and macroeconomic growth.
