KR Unveils 20 New Madaraka Express Coaches

By Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoasynewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya Railways has unveiled new premium class coaches for the Madaraka Express that will cost Kenyans Ksh12,000 one way or Ksh20,000 on a return ticket from Mombasa to Nairobi.

The four premium coaches are part of 20 new passenger coaches comprising of 10 economy class and four first class coaches that transport principal secretary Mohamed Daghar flagged off at the KR Port Reitz Freight Station on July 22, 2024.

“This premium class is the first of its kind in Kenya and probably in the East Africa region. It’s a very comfortable type of coach with different auxiliary features that support passenger comfort.”

It is designed that one premium coach will carry a maximum of 28 passengers and has seats that are adjustable to the passenger comfort unlike in the economy class which has fixed seats.

“For the premium class, you will pay Ksh12,000 one way, but you will only pay Ksh20,000 for a return ticket. We encourage Kenyans to try this traveling experience, and enjoy our excellent services in this class.”

The premium coach has automatic contact less charging points for mobile devices and passengers will have an opportunity to be served Kenyan cuisines on transit.

“The coach has modern features designed to elevate the customer’s care and comfort. We want to ensure health competition in the transport sector.”

The PS, speaking after launching the coaches, said the business class fare that is Sh1,500 and first-class Sh4,500 will remain unchanged  between Nairobi and Mombasa.

KR has also introduced charging points for economy class, baby changing rooms, lactating area for breastfeeding mothers as well as new adjustable seats as part of customers’ feedback responses of its services.

At the Miritini Freight Station, he assured Kenyans that the Madaraka Express would meet its customers’ demands after the new wagons start operations.

“We have been struggling with demand, especially during opening and closing of schools’ terminal dates, but with additional coaches, we are confident of satisfying our customers.”

KR has promised to complete the last-mile railways service in the quest to improve customer experience and facilitate easy connectivity in Syokimau and Miritini stations.

“You will notice we have constructed 20 commuter stations in Nairobi 10 of which have been completed to ensure that those living in Makadara and Karen can link up. Here in Mombasa, we are constructing stations to connect to Mombasa town’s CBD station. We want to facilitate seamless rail travel between the cities in the country.”

The PS was accompanied by the Kenya Ports Authority managing director Capt William Ruto, KR chairman Abdi Duale and KR managing director Philip Mainga.

“Our strategic plan From 2023-27 targets to transport 8.8 million between Mombasa-Nairobi and 2.2 million between within the cities,” said the PS adding that the government would ensure a fare playing ground for transport industry.

“We now have three trains between Mombasa and Nairobi one way. We want this train services to be busy so that when you miss the morning one, you can catch a later midmorning one, thus, ensuring a seamless travel between Mombasa-and-hinterlands.”