New Madaraka Express coach elevates Kenya's rail transport

The recent launch of the new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Premium Coaches marks another significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Kenya’s rail transport.

Officially unveiled on October 2 by Kenya Railways, the introduction of this exclusive service not only enhances the overall experience for passengers but also aligns with the government’s vision of improving the country’s transport infrastructure. The Premium Coaches, designed for the discerning traveller, offer a higher level of comfort, privacy, and convenience, reinforcing the growing popularity of the Madaraka Express services since its inception.

Launched in June 2017, the Madaraka Express Passenger Service has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s rail transport, quickly becoming the preferred mode of travel for millions of passengers between Nairobi and Mombasa. As of September 2024, the service had transported 13.7 million passengers, a substantial increase from the 11.39 million passengers recorded at the same time last year.

This steady growth is a testament to the efficiency, reliability, and safety that the SGR has brought to Kenya’s transport system, offering an alternative to the long and often risky road journeys that were once the norm.

The new Premium Class service is an upgrade that caters to passengers seeking more exclusivity and comfort during their journey. Each of the four premium coaches is equipped with 28 air-conditioned seats that recline fully, providing generous legroom. Passengers are treated to a secluded environment, separated from other compartments, ensuring privacy and tranquility.

Additional features include foldout tray tables, seat pockets for small items, charging points at every seat, Wi-Fi, and baby-changing facilities. Passengers are also offered blankets and pillows, complimentary beverages, meals, and priority access to VIP lounges at the terminal. These enhancements create an elevated travel experience unmatched by other modes of transport in the region, setting the Premium Class apart as a symbol of luxury and convenience.

On the maiden journey of the Premium Class coaches, 56 passengers experienced this new level of service, spread across two coaches on the Express train departing from Nairobi at 3:00 p.m. The coaches will continue to be deployed on all scheduled Madaraka Express trains, including the Inter-County trains departing at 8:00 a.m., the Express trains at 3:00 p.m., and the Night trains departing at 10:00 p.m. from both Nairobi and Mombasa.

As the Premium Class service gains traction, plans are in top gear to add more coaches during peak travel seasons, ensuring that the growing demand is met with increased capacity.

Since its inception, the SGR has been hailed not just for its speed and reliability, but also for its remarkable safety record. As of October 8, 2024, the SGR had operated for 2,688 days without a single major incident, cementing its reputation as the safest mode of transport in Kenya. This stands in stark contrast to the dangers associated with road travel, where accidents are frequent.

A key component of the SGR’s success has been its emphasis on skills transfer and localisation. At present, the Madaraka Express is operated by a total of 203 local locomotive drivers, a testament to the extensive training programmes put in place by the corporation. This is a marked improvement from the early days of the SGR when Chinese expatriates were primarily responsible for operations.

Over the years, 1,989 local employees have received specialized training from Chinese experts, equipping them with the skills needed to operate and maintain the trains independently. This has fostered a strong sense of ownership and capability within the local workforce, further strengthening the sustainability of the SGR operations.

The launch of Premium Coaches represents yet another leap forward for Kenya Railways as it continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of passengers. The corporation has elevated the rail travel experience by introducing an exclusive Premium Class service in line with its vision of providing a world-class rail service. 

This commitment to excellence ensures that the Madaraka Express remains the safest, most efficient, and most comfortable travel option for Kenyans and visitors alike, contributing to the country’s broader economic development and infrastructural growth.

The writer is a strategic communications adviser in the transport and logistics sector