Kenya Railways Responds To Reports Of Students Sitting On SGR Train Floors

The Kenya Railways Corporation on Monday, May 13 issued a statement following social media reports alleging that some students were made to sit on the floor while others were standing on Sunday evening, May 12 after an uproar from Kenyans.

The corporation revealed that it had received an overwhelming demand for passenger trains following President William Ruto's announcement that the reopening of schools for the second term had been set for Monday.

According to Kenya Railways, the demand spread across Sunday and Monday as students headed back to school following an extended period of closure as a result of the flooding situation nationwide.

Residents sift through the rubble as they recover their belongings after the Nairobi river burst its banks and destroyed their homes within the Mathare Valley settlement in Nairobi, Kenya on April 25, 2024. /REUTERS

"We wish to inform members of the public that following the announcement by the Government on the reopening of primary and secondary schools, the Corporation has received an overwhelming demand for passenger services between Sunday, May 12th and Monday, May 13th, 2024, including students wishing to travel back to school in time for reopening," the statement read in part.

Kenya Railways in response revealed that it had already introduced additional coaches in both economy and first class to accommodate the students who had booked earlier before the postponement of the school opening dates.

"However, the demand over the last two days has been overwhelming. We assure all our customers that the Corporation is doing everything possible to ensure that no passengers, including students are left behind and that all students arrive safely at their various destinations," added the statement.

The statement comes after reports merged on social media that some students travelling from Mombasa to Nairobi with postponed tickets were allegedly made to give up their spots and sit on the floor. 

On April 29, KRC announced that students who had purchased Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) tickets and were affected by the abrupt change in the schools' opening date would be allowed to use their tickets for the whole of the following week.

“We wish to notify members of the public that owing to the postponement of school opening dates for all primary and secondary schools by the Ministry of Education, all student tickets purchased for travel between today, Monday, April 29th and Friday, May 3rd 2024 aboard the Madaraka Express will remain open for use from Monday, May 6th to Friday, May 10th 2024," read the statement.

However, following the directive for students to reopen schools today, a number of Kenyans complained that students were forced to sit on the commuter train's floor at night for hours since seats were overbooked.

As per viral photos circulated online, the students were on the 10 pm SGR train from Mombasa to Nairobi on Sunday, with Kenyans expressing outrage regarding the uncomfortability for the students due to the long distance.

Usually, a non-stop trip between Nairobi to Mombasa via SGR takes about 4-5 hours.

Outside the Mombasa SGR Terminus. /KENYA NEWS MEDIA