The Nairobi Central–Lukenya commuter train connects Nairobi CBD with Makadara, Imara Daima, Mlolongo, Athi River and Lukenya. Kenya Railways identifies Nairobi–Lukenya as one of the additional routes introduced within the expanded Nairobi Commuter Rail network. Kenya Railways Strategic Plan
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Route overview
| Route detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operator | Kenya Railways |
| Railway service | Nairobi Commuter Rail |
| Starting station | Nairobi Central Railway Station |
| Final destination | Lukenya |
| Main areas served | Makadara, Imara Daima, Mlolongo and Athi River |
| Railway system | Metre-gauge railway |
| Service type | Metropolitan commuter train |
| Counties connected | Nairobi and Machakos |
General station sequence
The route generally follows this direction:
Nairobi Central → Makadara → Imara Daima → Mlolongo → Athi River → Lukenya
The exact stopping pattern may vary according to the train and operating schedule.
| Station or stop | Main areas and connections |
|---|---|
| Nairobi Central | Nairobi CBD and city-centre transport stages |
| Makadara | Makadara, Jogoo Road and surrounding Eastlands areas |
| Imara Daima | Imara Daima, Pipeline, Fedha and Mombasa Road |
| Mlolongo | Mlolongo, Syokimau and Mombasa Road |
| Athi River | Athi River town, industrial areas and Kitengela connections |
| Lukenya | Lukenya and neighbouring residential, educational and industrial areas |
Passengers should confirm every station served before boarding.
Boarding at Nairobi Central
Nairobi Central Railway Station is located near Haile Selassie Avenue. Arrive early enough to verify the platform, purchase or validate a ticket and confirm the stopping pattern.
Before boarding, ask:
- Is the train operating to Lukenya?
- Does it stop at your selected station?
- What is the scheduled departure time?
- When does the return service operate?
- What fare applies to your destination?
Travelling to Mlolongo
Passengers travelling to Mlolongo should confirm the station or designated railway stop and its distance from their final destination. A local matatu, boda boda or taxi may be required after leaving the train.
Athi River connections
Athi River is an important interchange for passengers travelling to industrial facilities, residential estates, Kitengela and other destinations along Mombasa Road.
The station may not be within walking distance of every Athi River destination, making a first- or last-mile connection necessary.
Arriving in Lukenya
Lukenya covers a wide area containing schools, residential developments, farms, recreational facilities and industrial properties. Passengers should identify the closest railway stop and arrange onward transport where necessary.
Confirm the return train before leaving the station because services may operate only at selected times.
Train schedule
Kenya Railways schedules can change because of operational requirements, maintenance or passenger demand. Metros should avoid publishing an unverified fixed timetable within the permanent guide.
Passengers can check current service information through Kenya Railways.
Train schedules can change at any time. Confirm the latest departure, station stops and return times with Kenya Railways.
Tickets and fares
Commuters should confirm the current fare and accepted payment method at the station. Retain the ticket until the journey is completed.
Train fares, ticketing arrangements and service schedules can change at any time.
Connecting matatus at Makadara
Route 58 — Buruburu
Via Jogoo Road, Makadara and Rabai Road towards Buruburu.
Route 23KS — Kariobangi South
Via Jogoo Road, Jericho, Harambee and Buruburu towards Kariobangi South.
Connecting matatus at Imara Daima
Route 33 — Embakasi / Fedha / Pipeline
Connects Pipeline, Fedha and Embakasi with the wider Mombasa Road and Airport North Road network.
Route 34A — Pipeline / Embakasi / JKIA
Provides connections between Pipeline, Embakasi and the JKIA area.
Connecting matatus at Mlolongo and Athi River
Route 110 — Mlolongo / Athi River / Kitengela
Via Mombasa Road towards Mlolongo, Athi River and Kitengela.
Route 110A — Athi River
Via Mombasa Road and Mlolongo towards Athi River.
Passengers continuing between Athi River and Kitengela can also consult the Athi River–Kitengela Road transport guide.
Matatu and last-mile connections at Lukenya
Lukenya passengers may require a local matatu, boda boda, taxi or arranged pickup to reach their final destination. Confirm the distance between the railway stop and the required estate, institution or business before travelling.
View Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers
Matatu routes, boarding stages and fares can change. Confirm the destination displayed on the vehicle before boarding.
Connecting journey guide
| Final destination | Suggested connection |
|---|---|
| Buruburu | Alight at Makadara and connect to Route 58 |
| Pipeline or Fedha | Alight at Imara Daima and connect to Route 33 |
| Mlolongo | Alight at the appropriate Mlolongo stop and use local transport |
| Athi River town | Connect from Athi River Station |
| Kitengela | Connect at Athi River to Route 110 or another Kitengela service |
| Lukenya property or institution | Arrange suitable last-mile transport |
Return journey
Confirm the Lukenya–Nairobi return train before beginning the journey. If the train is unavailable or missed, passengers may need to connect by road through Athi River or Mlolongo and use a Nairobi-bound Route 110 or 110A service.
Passenger tips
- Verify that the Nairobi–Lukenya service is operating that day.
- Confirm every station at which the train will stop.
- Check the return departure before leaving Nairobi.
- Identify the distance from the railway stop to the final destination.
- Budget for first- and last-mile transport.
- Keep a Mombasa Road matatu connection as an alternative.
Master-page entry
Nairobi Central ↔ Lukenya
Via Makadara, Imara Daima, Mlolongo and Athi River towards Lukenya. Passengers can find onward road connections in the Nairobi Matatu Routes and Numbers guide.
