Kenya is poised to bolster its rail transport network in a bid to alleviate Nairobi’s congestion by acquiring new high-capacity diesel-electric multiple units. The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) announced on Sunday, August 11, that it is nearing the final stages of securing an undisclosed number of Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) with a capacity to carry 1,200 passengers.
This move is part of the broader Kenya Railways Commuter Rail Masterplan, which initially saw the purchase of 11 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) from Spain in 2021. However, the older DMUs, intended to serve the city and surrounding areas, faced challenges due to outdated parts and limited availability of spare components, hindering the effectiveness of the plan. Despite these setbacks, Kenya Railways stated that the 11 DMUs acquired in 2020 are now fully operational and in good working condition.