Kenya Railways increases train services to Kisumu and Nanyuki during festive season

 

Kenya Railways has announced a significant increase in train frequency for the festive season, enhancing travel options for passengers.

The company revealed that both the Kisumu and Nanyuki Safari trains would now operate twice a week, supplementing the regular Friday schedule.

Starting this week, the train from Nairobi to Kisumu will depart on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, offering an additional midweek option for travelers. Alongside the standard Sunday timetable, a return journey from Kisumu to Nairobi is available on Thursdays at 6:30 pm.

For First-class travelers, tickets cost Sh2,000, while Economy class seats are priced at Sh600.

Similarly, the Nanyuki route sees expanded services, with trains leaving Nairobi Railway Station every Tuesday and Friday at 9:00 am. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the Nanyuki train departs at 9:00 am for the return journey to Nairobi.

First-class tickets for the Nanyuki route are set at Sh1,000, with Economy-class seats available for Sh200.

Kenya Railways did not specify the duration of the increased train services during the week.

Meanwhile, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger train service between Nairobi and Mombasa is fully booked from December 21 to 24, a month before Christmas.

The bookings have surged since Africa Star Railway Operations Company (Afristar), the Madaraka Express operator, extended the early reservation period to 60 days, up from the initial 30.

SGR economy class tickets are priced at Sh1,000, while first-class tickets cost Sh3,000. Children below three years travel free, and those aged between 3-11 years pay half the price.

Starting January 1, 2024, Kenya Railways plans to implement a 50 percent fare hike for Nairobi to Mombasa SGR passengers, as well as commuters on the Nairobi commuter rail service and the Kisumu and Nanyuki safari trains.

The revised fares for Nairobi to Mombasa will be Sh1,500 for economy class and Sh4,500 for first class, up from the current Sh1,000 and Sh3,000, respectively.

By Hilary Kimuyu