Kenya Railways has officially launched its new premium class coaches on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger trains, marking a significant milestone in upgrading its services. The inaugural trip welcomed more than 20 Nairobi-based African ambassadors who experienced the enhanced service on a journey from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Welcoming the ambassadors aboard, Mr. Philip Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation, remarked, “You are the first passengers to travel on the maiden pre-trial launch of premium class on our SGR. Please relax, have refreshments before dinner is served.” The new premium service underscores Kenya Railways’ commitment to elevating the travel experience on one of its most vital routes.
The premium service is priced at Kes.12,000 for adults and Kes.6,000 for children aged 3 to 11 for one-way travel, with a round-trip ticket costing Kes.20,000. It offers a luxurious and comfortable journey for passengers traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar, who attended the launch, highlighted the government’s plans to expand SGR Phase 2B, which will extend from Naivasha to Kisumu, covering a distance of 362 kilometers and including a branch line to Kisumu Port. “We will also construct Phase 2C, a 106-kilometer stretch from Kisumu to Malaba,” Daghar added, underscoring the government’s broader vision for enhanced rail connectivity.
Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, emphasized the importance of connectivity for Africa’s development. “We need an interconnected Africa, which is the vision of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Without connectivity, we cannot realize AfCFTA,” he said.
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