A train has for centuries been a symbol of progress and industrialisation. The long metal snake was foretold centuries ago by Mugo Kibiru and laid its seed in the forms of towns and settlements, which have turned into cities and urban centres.

Last Friday, I used the train. I had a reason to go to Syokimau, for a friend’s housewarming. The train leaves at 5:50pm and again at 7:50pm.

Trains are almost always punctual and I can attest that this one was too. My first surprise was the price of a ticket — Ksh40 (US cents 42). I paid it at the counter and was given a ticket with a bar code, which I then placed over the red light where the barriers were.

The platform where we waited for the train was well lit. Most of the passengers were reading books or newspapers while they waited.

The train arrived at 7:30pm and we all rushed in. Fair warning, there are no toilets but since the longest journey on this train takes just under 40 minutes that was not a big concern.

I took a walk up and down the train taking count of the seats and number of cars to estimate its capacity. There were ten cars on the train with 62 seats each and 50 hand-holds, making the capacity almost 1,100 when at full capacity.

There weren’t as many people on the train and I estimate that we were less than 200. I was told that the situation is different in the morning train, which carries people to the city centre. It fills to the brim and the hand holds serve a purpose.

The train was well lit and so the readers could peruse their newspapers or books without strain. There was no loud music blaring and there was so much space that we didn’t have to jostle when boarding or getting off the train.