More pain for Kenyans as SGR hikes fares by 50pc

The Kenya Railways has announced a 50 percent fare hike for Nairobi to Mombasa SGR passengers starting January 1, 2024.

The fare review also affects passengers using the Nairobi commuter rail service and the Kisumu and Nanyuki safari trains.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Kenya Railways management said passengers travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa will pay Ksh1,500 - $9.95 (economy class) and Ksh4,500 - $29.86 (first class) up from the current Ksh1,000 - $6.64 (economy class) and Ksh3,000 - $19.91 (first class).

“The increase is informed by changes in the energy and petroleum sector where prices of fuel have significantly increased thus affecting the cost of our operations,” the statement explained.

It added that passengers making advance purchases for the Madaraka Express passenger service will notice the adjusted fares starting on Wednesday.

First class; Nairobi to Mariakani (Ksh4,310 - $28.60), Athi River to Mombasa (Ksh4,340 - $28.80), Emali to Mombasa (Ksh3,350 - $22,23) and 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) and Voi to Mombasa (Ksh440 - $2.92).

Those plying the Nairobi-Suswa route will pay as follows;

Nairobi to Suswa/Mai Mahiu (Ksh250 - $1.66), Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong (Ksh130 - $0.86).

Those leaving Rongai heading to Ngong will pay Ksh70 ($0.46) as the rest pay Ksh130 for 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 will pay half the price and those above 11 will pay full price.