Kenya Railways has warned motorists after recording a rise in incidents where drivers block or fail to give way to trains at level crossings.
In a notice on Monday, December 1, the agency said the cases have led to preventable accidents and now require firm enforcement.
"Kenya Railways has noted an increase in cases where motorists unlawfully obstruct or fail to give way to oncoming trains at railway level crossings along the Metre Gauge Railway network leading to avoidable accidents," the notice read.
Kenya Railways added that violating safety rules endangers everyone around the crossing points and is an offence under the law.
"Ignorance of safety rules places motorists, pedestrians, passengers, and train crew in immediate danger and constitute an offence under the law," the notice added.
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Kenya Railways warned that any interference with train movement will attract prosecution and penalties, with offenders held fully responsible for any resulting damage or loss.
"Any road user who interferes with the safe movement of trains is liable to prosecution, penalties, and full responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or loss of life," the notice further read.
The agency urged the public to follow all safety guidelines and confirmed that enforcement action will now target those who violate crossing rules.
"Kenya Railways calls on all members of the public to exercise utmost caution and strictly adhere to railway safety regulations. Enforcement action will be taken against offenders," the notice concluded.
This comes months after eight people died after a train collided with a staff bus belonging to Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) near the Morendat Training and Conference Centre (MTCC) in Naivasha.
In a statement on Thursday, August 7, KPC said the tragic incident occurred as the KPC bus, which was ferrying employees from the MTCC after a morning shift, attempted to cross the railway line.
The train struck the vehicle at a level crossing, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
KPC confirmed the accident through an official statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.
"With a heavy heart, we wish to bring to your attention an accident involving a Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) staff bus and a Kenya Railway train that occurred this afternoon on the railway crossing just before our Morendat Training and Conference Centre (MTCC)," the statement read.
Kenya Railways also released a statement acknowledging the accident and highlighting the importance of vigilance at railway crossings.
"An unfortunate accident occurred this evening involving a train and a bus in Naivasha at a railway level crossing. Kenya Railways mobilized an immediate response team that worked with the police to evacuate the injured to hospital.
"Motorists and the general public are advised to take caution when crossing the railway line at level crossings to avoid collision with approaching trains," their statement read.
