By Mumo Judah
Nyahururu, Kenya, June 1, 2026
The long-dormant Gilgil–Nyahururu Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) line has officially resumed operations after a 46-year suspension, restoring rail connectivity to parts of Nyandarua and Laikipia counties and opening a new chapter for agriculture, trade and transport in the region.
The revival follows the completion of rehabilitation works along the 78-kilometre corridor by Kenya Railways, bringing back services on a route that had remained inactive since 1980.
Operations resumed with the arrival of an 11-wagon freight train carrying 396 tonnes of government-subsidised Rail Mavuno fertiliser from Athi River to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots in Ol Kalou and Nyahururu.
Officials said the restored railway is expected to significantly lower transportation costs for farmers and traders in one of Kenya’s most productive agricultural regions. Nyandarua and Laikipia counties are major producers of potatoes, carrots, cabbages, peas and wheat, commodities that rely heavily on efficient transport networks to access markets across the country.
The reopening is also expected to stimulate commercial activity, with several major firms already expressing interest in using the corridor for cargo transportation. Among the companies eyeing the route are Bamburi Cement PLC, OCP Kenya and New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC), which plan to move cement, fertiliser and dairy products through the railway network.
Beyond freight services, Kenya Railways has announced plans to introduce passenger operations on the corridor through a new service branded the “Hustler Express.” The train is expected to connect Nairobi, Gilgil, Ol Kalou and Nyahururu, offering residents an alternative mode of transport while boosting tourism and business travel.
The railway revival comes alongside ongoing electrification projects in Ol Kalou and surrounding areas under the government’s Last Mile Connectivity Programme, which aims to expand access to electricity for households and businesses.
The infrastructure developments have attracted political attention ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026. The seat fell vacant following the death of former Member of Parliament David Kiaraho in March this year.
With nine candidates cleared to contest the by-election, political observers view the race as a significant test of influence among major political formations, including President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP), and former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.
While residents have largely welcomed the railway revival and electrification projects, the timing of the developments has sparked debate among political commentators and local stakeholders. Some view the projects as long-term investments aimed at transforming the regional economy, while others question whether the accelerated rollout is linked to the approaching by-election campaign.
Regardless of the political debate, the return of rail services has been widely celebrated by farmers, traders and transport stakeholders who believe the restored line will reduce logistical costs, improve market access and enhance economic opportunities across the region.
For many residents, the sight of a train once again traversing the Gilgil–Nyahururu corridor signals the return of a vital transport link that had been absent for nearly half a century, offering renewed hope for growth and development in central Kenya.
