Madaraka Express economy fare set at Sh1,000

Kenyans will pay Sh300 more to use the Madaraka Express service between Nairobi and Mombasa.

This will see passengers on the economy class pay Sh1,000 for a one way ticket on the train service after the end of the promotional service that was launched in June last year.

The new price takes effect on April 1.

Kenya Railways had initially wanted the fare to be hiked to Sh1,200 but the Ministry of Transport made an administrative decision to ensure passengers continue using the service.

Passengers in first class will continue paying Sh3,000.

Since its launch in June 2017, the Madaraka Express train service has been a hit with passengers moving an estimated 1.1 million passengers as of March 19.

Kenya Railways managing director Atanas Maina has in the past said the higher charges would enable the railway to run sustainably.

The ministry is expected to make regular price reviews of the ticket prices to ensure the train service remains sustainable.

Two weeks ago, Kenya Railways introduced parking fees at the Nairobi and Mombasa train stations as a means to boost revenue collection.

Kenya Railways will also increase fares on the inter county train.

The fare hike comes at a time the government is yet to complete the last mile link that has seen passengers pay expensive fares to get into town.

The Sh1,000 fare will be in addition to taxi fares passengers pay to access the train stations.

Cargo Operations

The government will however hold the current promotional charges on the cargo service until December as it continues to lure cargo owners to use the service.

Kenya Railways currently charges Sh65,268 to transport a 20 foot container and Sh85,304 for the 40 foot container.

The service is yet to catch on with cargo owners who have resisted it over inefficiency and overlapping roles by a number of state agencies.