Kenyans Using SGR To Nairobi Warned Of Delay Of More Than 1 Hour

The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has notified passengers travelling to Nairobi from Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to expect a delay today.

In a statement on Thursday, October 31, the Authority indicated that the delay would occur for close to two hours. This means that the train is expected to depart at 4.40 pm.

“We wish to inform our customers that we are anticipating a 1 hour 40 minutes delay for the Mombasa to Nairobi afternoon Express train. The train will depart Mombasa Terminus at 16:40 hrs,” read the statement in part. 

Kenya Railways did not however reveal the cause of the challenge. However, it revealed that the Mombasa-bound afternoon SGR train will operate on its normal schedule.

Kenyans outside the Mombasa Terminus. /FILE

“The Nairobi to Mombasa afternoon Express train will operate as per the normal schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. We thank you for your understanding and continued support,” added the statement. 

The SGR which was built at a cost of more than Ksh350 billion, rose sharply in popularity in its early days among Kenyans seeking alternative and safe ways of travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa cities, on a friendly budget.

To be specific, air transport is expensive with fares tending to cross above Ksh10,000 for a one-way flight and road, even though some Kenyans enjoy it for the scenery, makes one spend thousands for a full tank of fuel for the nearly 9-hour journey and the risk of road accidents along the major road.

Since the completion of the railway’s first phase in 2017, which links the Port of Mombasa to the country's interior, there have been critical developments, particularly on passenger demand.

On Tuesday, July 23, Kenya Railways unveiled new features of the new wagon for the Ksh1,500 economy class of Standard Guage Railway (SGR) trains.

In a series of posts on social media, KR revealed that the wagon would have a new seating arrangement whereby passengers would no longer sit facing each other, as has been the case with previous economy-class wagons.

To address the growing demand for SGR services, KRC acquired a new power car capable of carrying 20 coaches. This addition was to increase the capacity to carry more passengers between Nairobi and Mombasa, ensuring that the railway service can meet the needs of its users.

The unveiling of the coaches came a day after KR introduced the SGR premium trains which are currently charged at Ksh12,000 between Nairobi and Mombasa for a one-way ticket, while a return ticket will cost Ksh20,000.

Interior of the new economy class SGR trains unveiled on July 22, 2024. /KENYA RAILWAYS