The Nairobi Central–Embakasi Village commuter train connects Nairobi CBD with Makadara, Donholm, Pipeline and surrounding Embakasi neighbourhoods. Operated as part of the Nairobi Commuter Rail network, it provides an alternative to road travel along some of Eastlands’ busiest transport corridors.
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Route overview
| Route detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kenya Railways |
| Railway service | Nairobi Commuter Rail |
| Starting station | Nairobi Central Railway Station |
| Final station | Embakasi Village |
| Main areas served | Makadara, Donholm, Pipeline and Embakasi |
| Railway system | Metre-gauge railway |
| Service type | Urban commuter train |
Main route and stations
The commuter service generally follows this direction:
Nairobi Central → Makadara → Donholm → Pipeline → Embakasi Village
Kenya Railways identifies Donholm, Pipeline and Embakasi Village among the stations developed for Nairobi Commuter Rail services. However, individual trains may not stop at every station, making it important to confirm the current stopping pattern before travelling. Kenya Railways Strategic Plan
| Station | Main areas and connections |
|---|---|
| Nairobi Central | Nairobi CBD, Haile Selassie Avenue and city-centre matatu stages |
| Makadara | Jogoo Road, Makadara and nearby Eastlands neighbourhoods |
| Donholm | Donholm, Savannah, Greenfields, Umoja and Outer Ring Road |
| Pipeline | Pipeline, Fedha, Embakasi and Airport North Road |
| Embakasi Village | Embakasi Village and adjoining residential areas |
Boarding at Nairobi Central Railway Station
Nairobi Central Railway Station is located near Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi CBD. Passengers should arrive early enough to identify the correct platform, purchase or validate their ticket and complete any boarding procedures.
Before boarding, confirm:
- The train is heading to Embakasi Village
- The scheduled departure time
- Whether it stops at your intended station
- The return service time
- The applicable fare
Travelling from Embakasi Village
Passengers travelling towards Nairobi should confirm that the service terminates at Nairobi Central Railway Station. Arrive before departure because commuter trains operate according to scheduled times and do not have the continuous frequency associated with matatus.
Train schedules
Kenya Railways has previously published morning and evening services for the Embakasi Village route. However, commuter schedules can be revised because of operational requirements, maintenance or special transport arrangements.
Passengers should check the latest information through Kenya Railways or at the station before travelling.
Train schedules can change at any time. Confirm the latest departure and return times with Kenya Railways.
Train tickets and fares
Ticketing arrangements may include purchasing a ticket at the station or following instructions issued by Kenya Railways for the particular service.
Commuters should carry an accepted payment method and retain their tickets until they leave the destination station.
Train fares, ticketing arrangements and service schedules can change at any time.
Connecting matatus at Donholm
Passengers alighting at Donholm can connect to matatus serving Umoja, Savannah, Greenfields, Industrial Area and other Eastlands neighbourhoods.
Route 35/60 — Umoja
Via Jogoo Road, Donholm, Tena and Mutindwa towards Umoja.
Route 71 — Industrial Area / Donholm
Connects Donholm with Lunga Lunga Road, Likoni Road and Industrial Area.
Route 72 — Industrial Area / Donholm
Provides another connection between Donholm and the Industrial Area corridor.
Connecting matatus at Pipeline
Pipeline has matatu connections towards Fedha, Embakasi, Airport North Road, Outer Ring Road and Nairobi CBD.
Route 33 — Embakasi / Fedha / Pipeline
Serves Pipeline, Fedha and Embakasi, with connections towards Airport North Road.
Route 34A — Pipeline / Embakasi / JKIA
Provides connections between Pipeline, Embakasi and the JKIA area.
Connecting matatus at Embakasi Village
Passengers continuing from Embakasi Village can use local matatus and connecting services towards:
- Embakasi
- Fedha
- Pipeline
- Donholm
- Airport North Road
- Outer Ring Road
- Utawala
- Nairobi CBD
Confirm the vehicle’s final destination because Route 33 and Route 34 services have several operating variants.
View Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers
Matatu routes, boarding stages and fares can change. Confirm the destination displayed on the vehicle before boarding.
Combining train and matatu travel
| Destination | Suggested connection |
|---|---|
| Umoja | Alight at Donholm and connect to Route 35/60 |
| Savannah or Greenfields | Alight at Donholm and use a local estate service |
| Industrial Area | Connect from Donholm using Route 71 or 72 |
| Pipeline or Fedha | Alight at Pipeline and use Route 33 connections |
| JKIA area | Connect from Pipeline or Embakasi using a confirmed airport-area service |
| Utawala | Continue through Embakasi or Airport North Road using a local connection |
Return journey
Passengers should confirm the return timetable before leaving their arrival station. Unlike matatus, commuter trains may operate only at selected times, and missing a departure could require completing the journey by road.
Keep the relevant matatu connection available as an alternative.
Passenger tips
- Arrive at the station before the scheduled departure.
- Confirm that the train stops at your intended station.
- Keep your ticket until you complete the journey.
- Check the return timetable before leaving the station.
- Use recognised matatu stages for onward travel.
- Allow time to walk between the railway station and the connecting matatu stage.
- Monitor Kenya Railways announcements for service changes.
Master-page entry
Nairobi Central ↔ Embakasi Village Commuter Train
Via Makadara, Donholm and Pipeline, serving Embakasi Village and adjoining Eastlands neighbourhoods.
