Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) built stations a few years ago that were part of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area improvement on transport in the city.
There’s no other place that the gap between the rich and poor is practiced than in Kenya Railways in terms of train stations.
During the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) Concession; the parastatal discriminated against commuters plying other routes such as Ruiru, Kikuyu and Embakasi. Their trains were old and dilapidated.The above lot were also treated differently from those who use the Mlolongo commuter train service.
Most people who used the RVR weren’t allowed to use the newly built stations, even when it rains.
I remember this one incidence when it was raining and there were commuters waiting for the Ruiru-bound train to pick them at Makadara station; we reached Makadara and found the commuters stranded standing in the rain.
I asked one why they didn’t take cover in the shade in the newly built station and her reply was, ‘we are not allowed to use the landlord’s property’.
However, with the demise of RVR, the KRC has really tried to improve the condition of the carriages to human standards, but the toilets in the Nairobi Railways Station, Ruiru/Kikuyu and Embakasi sections, is not conducive for human use.
Ironically, the Nairobi Railway Station has another section used by Mlolongo train commuter which is pitch perfect condition.
Why can’t they just revamp the whole station?
Pictures.
Nairobi Railways Station
Makadara Railways Station
