The current rail network in Kenya is the metre gauge commonly referred to as ‘The Lunatic Line’. It was initially named the ‘Uganda Railway’ after its destination. Its construction began in the Port city of Mombasa in 1896 and was completed in 1901 at the lines terminus in Kisumu. Operations on the line commenced in 1903. The Lunatic Line links Kampala in Uganda with the Indian Ocean town of Mombasa.
Branch lines were built to Thika in 1913, Lake Magadi in 1915, Kitale in 1926, Naro Moru in 1927 and from Tororo to Soroti in 1929. In 1929, the Uganda railway became Kenya Uganda Railways & Habours. In 1931, a branchline to Mount Kenya was completed and the main line was extended from Nakuru to Kampala in Uganda.
The line is 1,000 mm and is a single track all through with occasional sidings and passing points to deal with opposing traffic. Construction was carried out by labourers brought in from India. After completion, some of the Indians remained behind thus creating the Indian community in East Africa.
The line was a huge logistical achievement and became strategically and economically vital for Kenya, linking the Indian Ocean with Lake Victoria and the East African interior. Branch lines were built and the railway became an essential part of safari adventures in the early decades of the 20th Century.
Vision, Mission And Mandate
Kenya Railways was established by an Act of Parliament (Cap 397) of the Laws of Kenya, and commenced operations on January 20, 1978. The overall mandate of the Corporation then was to provide a coordinated and integrated system within Kenya of rail and inland waterways transport services and inland port facilities.
The Act was amended through The Kenya Railways (Amendment) Act 2005 to make it possible for the Board of Directors to enter into concession agreements or other forms of management for the provision of rail transport services. Following this Amendment, KR conceded railway operations to Rift Valley Railways Ltd (K) from November 1, 2006 for 25 years for freight services and 1 year for passenger services.
Vision
To be a provider of world class rail services
Mission
To develop an integrated rail network and provide efficient and safe rail services
Our Mandate
- Provide skills and technology for the railway sector
- Provide efficient and effective railway services
- Leverage our assets to grow business
- Promotion, facilitation and participation in national and metropolitan railway network development
Core Values
Customer Focus
We are committed to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction through continuous improvement of our services
Integrity
We are guided by probity and highest business ethics in carrying out our business
Teamwork
We operate as a team and fully subscribe to the principles of teamwork as a key attribute to achieving our objectives
Professionalism
We adhere to impeccable professional and personal standards while conducting the affairs of the Corporation. The Corporation’s services shall be offered in a professional manner and with expertise that ensures high quality.