Kenya Railways Gets Walkie Talkies For Its MGR Trains: How They Will Be Used [PHOTOS]

Kenya Railways has announced the acquisition of state-of-the-art communication devices on train wagons using the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) line, in is move to enhance communication between train operators and staff at various train stations. 

On Monday, December 2, the train company revealed that the devices will also enhance safety operations for the train operations, an aspect that will be critical as the MGRs will see increased activity during the festive season.

“In an effort to boost operational efficiency and enhance safety, Kenya Railways recently introduced state-of-the-art advanced two-way radios known as Motorola R7 portable radio, as well as the Motorola DM4000e which is the stationery audio amplifier placed in train locomotives,” announced Kenya Railways in part.

Image of state-of-the-art communication devices on train wagons using the Meter Guage Railway (MGR) line. /KENYA RAILWAYS

The devices work just like the walkie-talkies used by security agency officers during field operations. Kenya Railways remarked that the acquisition marks a significant leap forward for KR’s Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) operations. 

“Staff members from concerned departments got to clarify all queries during a familiarization training conducted at KR Headquarters by the devices’ suppliers,” added the statement.

Direct users of the purchased devices had already seen a positive impact. During shunting at the Nairobi Central Railway Station’s Yard, Points-man Charles Mutai praised the new devices. 

A train worker at the Nairobi Railway Station yard with a walkie-talkie to be used while communicating with the MGR trains. /KENYA RAILWAYS

“The devices are impressive, especially their advanced features like water resistance, tolerance to high temperatures and long-range communication with exceptionally clear audio reception,” Mutai remarked.

The devices will be key in terms of relaying communication regarding any potential incidences that might occur anytime an MGR train, especially one with passengers, is in motion.

This comes amidst active plans to reopen the Nairobi-Kisumu line after the railway service to the lakeside city was suspended after a landslide along the railway tracks.

While responding to an inquiry on social media platform X on Tuesday, November 12, the corporation said train services in the route remain suspended due to ongoing line rehabilitation. However, Kenya Railways assured that services are expected to be available by the festive season.

Meanwhile, the MGR which extends from the Mombasa SGR Terminus to Mombasa Old Town will also be completed and commissioned later in the year. This will provide a huge sigh of relief to passengers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Mombasa who have been forced to use other means of transport to get from the train station to the coastal city itself.

The completion of the line will offer travellers a cheaper and easier option to get to Mombasa Old Town from the terminus in Miritini. Currently, travellers still have to rely on taxis and matatus which have often been accused of overcharging them.

Outside the Mombasa SGR Terminus. /KENYA NEWS MEDIA