Rift Valley Railways to coach 175 train drivers in the next 12 months

Rift Valley Railways (RVR), locomotive inspector trainee Jaafar Okeng'o (seated second left) of Changamwe depot in Mombasa tries his hand on Sh160 million train simulator that was acquired by RVR to improve train driver handling. Looking on is RVR Locomotive Inspecting Officer (LIO) cum Instructor Jacob Nguli (left).RVR will recruit 40 new drivers to handle added locomotives. (Photo: andrew kilonzi)

Nairobi, Kenya:  Regional rail operator, Rift Valley Railways, has begun training its team of 135 drivers on a Sh160 million train simulator that will improve driver skill and performance, while improving train operating efficiency.

The technology allows the inputting of data gathered from different sections of the railway line to simulate a range of operating parameters and has an actual size driver’s cabin with real-life sound cues. The operator navigates the train through a large video display of the track while an on-board computer and monitors assist the driver to operate the train.