NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Railways has refuted recent claims that 10 out of 11 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains purchased in 2020 have broken down, stating that all the trains are fully operational and in good condition.
A report by a local daily had alleged that only one DMU was functional, sparking concerns about the state of the Nairobi Commuter Rail service.
However, the management of Kenya Railways has categorically denied these allegations, emphasizing that all 11 DMUs are running daily as per the schedule.
“Whereas Kenya Railways appreciates the interest of the reporter in informing the public, it is evident that the information is not a factual representation of the Railway Standard Operating Procedures. Further consultation as required by good journalism ethics was indeed necessary, through the official Kenya Railways communication channels,” the management stated.
The DMUs, which were acquired at a cost of Sh2 billion during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, are a key component of the Nairobi Commuter Rail service.
Kenya Railways assured the public that they conduct regular maintenance on the DMUs and other locomotives to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
“In line with our standard operating procedures, we are bound to recall and detach locomotives and or coaches including the DMUs for routine maintenance, which takes place at the Nairobi Railway Central workshop,” the management added.
Kenya Railways also clarified that while the DMUs were initially intended to serve both the Nairobi-Syokimau and Embakasi routes, the high demand from Syokimau customers led to their reassignment primarily to the Embakasi route.
Kenya Railways revealed plans to acquire new high-capacity Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) with a seating capacity of 1,200 passengers as part of the second phase of the Kenya Railways Commuter Rail Master Plan. Phase one of the plan included the acquisition of the current DMUs.
A report by a local daily had alleged that only one DMU was functional, sparking concerns about the state of the Nairobi Commuter Rail service.
However, the management of Kenya Railways has categorically denied these allegations, emphasizing that all 11 DMUs are running daily as per the schedule.
“Whereas Kenya Railways appreciates the interest of the reporter in informing the public, it is evident that the information is not a factual representation of the Railway Standard Operating Procedures. Further consultation as required by good journalism ethics was indeed necessary, through the official Kenya Railways communication channels,” the management stated.
The DMUs, which were acquired at a cost of Sh2 billion during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, are a key component of the Nairobi Commuter Rail service.
Kenya Railways assured the public that they conduct regular maintenance on the DMUs and other locomotives to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
“In line with our standard operating procedures, we are bound to recall and detach locomotives and or coaches including the DMUs for routine maintenance, which takes place at the Nairobi Railway Central workshop,” the management added.
Kenya Railways also clarified that while the DMUs were initially intended to serve both the Nairobi-Syokimau and Embakasi routes, the high demand from Syokimau customers led to their reassignment primarily to the Embakasi route.
Kenya Railways revealed plans to acquire new high-capacity Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) with a seating capacity of 1,200 passengers as part of the second phase of the Kenya Railways Commuter Rail Master Plan. Phase one of the plan included the acquisition of the current DMUs.
