Kenya Railways Announces 50% Fare Hike for Nairobi to Mombasa SGR Passengers

Kenya Railways has announced a 50% increase in fares for passengers traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa on the SGR, starting from January 1, 2024. This fare adjustment also applies to passengers using the Nairobi commuter rail service, as well as those on the Kisumu and Nanyuki safari trains.

In a statement issued on a Wednesday afternoon, the Kenya Railways management stated that passengers on the Nairobi to Mombasa route will now be charged Ksh1,500 (economy class) and Ksh4,500 (first class), up from the previous rates of Ksh1,000 (economy class) and Ksh3,000 (first class). In terms of USD, this translates to $9.95 (economy class) and $29.86 (first class), as compared to the previous rates of $6.64 (economy class) and $19.91 (first class).

The rationale behind this fare increase is explained as being influenced by changes in the energy and petroleum sector, where fuel prices have significantly risen, impacting the operational costs of Kenya Railways.

It was further noted that passengers who make advance bookings for the Madaraka Express passenger service will experience the revised fares starting from Wednesday.

Here are the updated fares for first class and economy class on various routes:

First class:

• Nairobi to Mariakani: Ksh4,310 ($28.60)
• Athi River to Mombasa: Ksh4,340 ($28.80)
• Emali to Mombasa: Ksh3,350 ($22.23)
• Voi to Mombasa: Ksh1,320 ($8.76)

Economy class:

• Nairobi to Mariakani: Ksh1,500 ($9.95)
• Athi River to Mombasa: Ksh1,430 ($9.49)
• Emali to Mombasa: Ksh1,100 ($7.30)
• Voi to Mombasa: Ksh440 ($2.92)

For passengers traveling on the Nairobi-Suswa route, the fares are as follows:

• Nairobi to Suswa/Mai Mahiu: Ksh250 ($1.66)
• Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong: Ksh130 ($0.86)

Additionally, those traveling from Rongai to Ngong will be charged Ksh70 ($0.46), while the rest will pay Ksh130 for commuting between Rongai to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, Ngong to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, and Mai Mahiu to Suswa.

Children between the ages of three and eleven who are traveling with adults will pay half the fare, while those aged eleven and above will be charged the full fare.