Kenya Railways on Wednesday announced the temporary suspension of all commuter train services due to the heavy rains experienced across the country....CONTINUE READING
In a notice, the corporation noted that the floods affected the rail lines making it hard for trains to operate. KR attributed the decision to the need to ensure the safety of Kenyans.
Kenya Railways confirmed that the directive only affectsthe Nairobi Commuter Rail services operating between Nairobi Central station and Kitengela, Limuru, Embakasi Village, Kahawa West, Syokimau and Ruiru. It d oes not affect passengers plying 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,” read part of the notice.
“We are compelled to take these precautionary measures because the safety of our customers is always of paramount importance to us.”
“We will advise you once normal services resume. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
The directive comes as Kenyans lamented about poor drainage systems across the country that have exacerbated the flooding situation, disrupted travel and left several people left homeless.
Additionally, highways including Mombasa Road and Thika Road were marooned by floodwater, causing traffic snarl-ups during peak hours in the morning.
Kenyans have since called on the government to implement measures to mitigate the flooding situation. Others have, however, questioned the passive nature of the county governments which were already aware of the looming heavy rains following forecasts issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Responding to the incident, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja pointed out that he had deployed teams to unclog the sewage and drainage systems.
He also urged Nairobi residents to heed directives issued by authorities which have intermittently called for evacuations from buildings erected on riparian land…<<CONTINUE READING>>
