Embakasi Train Chronicles - Part I

Most recently, President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the refurbished rail network inNairobi that serves Embakasi, Ruiru, Kikuyu and Syokimau lines. 

I commuted using the Embakasi - CBD train today 19th November 2020 and one thing I wasn't happy about is purchasing tickets at the Embakasi Fedha/Pipeline station. 

By 7AM the queue had stretched all the way to the Avenue Park gate. Shortly after 7.05AM passengers could not contain the anxiety of missing the morning train (mark you only 2 staff were selling tickets through a square inch window) - and with lot's of loose change issues. 

Murmurs grew by the minute as 7.10AM boarding time approached. At exactly 7.09AM this writer loudly called out "let's board the train, we'll get tickets in there".. like it was a war cry, passengers over ran the one-person-at-a-time entry in time to board the 7.10AM train. 

Surprisingly, inside the train there were ticket people in almost 1 for every 2 coaches, selling tickets at Kes. 40.00 one way ticket. 

The Embakasi line train starts the journey from Nyayo Embakasi (on the by pass side), makes stops in Pipeline/Fedha, Donholm and Makadara stations arriving at the central railway station at the central business districts some few minutes to 8AM.

At the CBD, commuters choose to either board Nairobi Commuter Buses to Upper Hill, Westlands or Ngong Road or board public buses (Matatus) available across town. 

The Nairobi Commuter Buses at the time of this article charge Kes 50.00 - passing through Hailey Sellasie Avenue, Uhuru Highway and on to Ngong Road for those heading to Upper Hill and through Waiyaki Way for those heading to Westlands. 

For me, I work at Westlands and so it worked perfectly, the bus stopped at Delta Corner.

It is quite a hustle for those who have to alight up the road opposite ParkInn by Radisson and walk back now that the elevated road is under construction