Kenya Railways Authority has denied reports of a decline in rail transportation passengers following a viral photo.
The snap shared by an X user captured an empty couch with a caption that alludes that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) demand has reduced following a 50 per cent fare hike in 2024.
Without sharing statistics, the state authority noted that the picture does not represent the actual status of the Madaraka Express passenger train services.
“Kenya Railways has taken note of a picture doing its rounds on social media, of an empty couch indicating a lack of passengers. We wish to state that this picture is in no way a representation of the actual status of the Madaraka Express Service and booking for travel is going on as normal. We remain committed to serving our customers and will do all we can to ensure that rail continues to remain their preferred mode of transport, via the Madaraka Express Service,” the authority stated in a notice dated Friday, February 2 2024.
PHOTO/KenyaRailways/X
In January 2024, Kenya Railways Authority effected new fare review for passengers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Nairobi commuter rail service, Mai Mahiu and Suswa trains.
Passengers travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa currently pay Ksh1,500 (economy class) and Ksh4,500 (first class) up from Ksh1,000 and Ksh3,000 respectively.
Other charges are (first class) Nairobi to Mariakani Ksh4,310, Athi River to Mombasa Ksh4,340, Emali to Mombasa Ksh3,350 and Voi to Mombasa Ksh1,320.
Economy class: Nairobi to Mariakani Ksh1,500, Athi River to Mombasa Ksh1,430, Emali to Mombasa Ksh1,100 and Voi to Mombasa Ksh440.
Travelling from Nairobi to Suswa/Mai Mahiu costs Ksh250 while Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong costs Ksh130.
Rongai to Ngong bu train costs Ksh70 and Ksh130 for those commuting between Rongai to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, Ngong to Mai Mahiu and Suswa and Mai Mahiu to Suswa.
Children between three and 11 travelling with adults are required to pay half the price.