Maiden SGR trip that was my Damascus moment on train travel

Inside one of the 20 Business class coaches that were received by Transport PS Mohammed Daghar, Kenya Ports Authority MD Capt. William Ruto, KPA chairperson Benjamin Tayari, Kenya Railways Chairperson Abdi Bare Duale and Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga at Port Reitz Freight yard in Mombasa County on Monday 22nd July 2024. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Only those who have had the privilege of travelling on the Madaraka Express can describe the exhilaration of witnessing the idyllic, rolling countryside, anxious and darting sun rays, and the warm smiles of fellow passengers, their hearts filled with delightful expectations.

There is always a first-time ride, but others travel frequently or occasionally. As a journalist based in Nairobi, I belong to the latter group. However, the experience and feeling are the same, with a sense of newness--excitement, sightseeing, efficiency onboard, a clean environment, and rare comfort in public transport.

My first trip on the Madaraka Express with colleagues to the Kenya Editors Guild Convention in Mombasa last year, 2023, was an unforgettable experience. The first-class coaches offered a complete view of nature's beauty, bringing to life the stories we had only read, edited, and published from our reporters' submissions.

The reality was classy and tinged with a whiff of elitism akin to air travel—refreshing, welcoming, and exciting. At that moment, the now common Kenyan cliche, " Kwa ground things ni different", made sense! I just smiled.

The elaborate security checks, efficient and friendly service counter, checking, and ushering into the coaches by splendidly dressed staff buried the lingering memories and tales of frustrations about the old meter gauge railway—unfriendly, untidy, uncertain, and energy-sapping day-long journey.

A minor hiccup during check-in was the only discordant note in an otherwise flawless performance. The other was the requirement to print tickets after booking online, a step backwards in a world striving for a paperless existence.

A delightful prelude to the journey ahead is the first-class waiting lounge, a clean and airy space teeming with servers from the numerous eateries approaching each traveller with a pitch to sell food and refreshments.

The allure of a quicker, more comfortable, and more convenient way to get to the coast—rather than the usual tiresome, ten-hour bus ride or pricey flight—unfurled before my eyes. Judging by their acknowledging nods, exploring looks and smiles, that seemed to be the mutual feeling for all of us.

I was sure that I couldn't wait to plunge into it among the hundreds of passengers—excited toddlers, school children, tourists, and early holidayers—I couldn't wait to get started. Finally, the call to board came through the speakers, and as everyone wanted to get to it first, everyone jumped to their feet and rushed towards the train's entrance. We, too, involuntarily joined in the rush to savour the delights in the belly of the "Iron Snake."

Once inside, a dream afternoon ride down to the coast with 60 colleagues aboard the express train—a collective of storytellers embarking on a coastal adventure-- slowly kicked into life as the train left the Syokimau Station.

The Madaraka Express was a pleasant surprise in punctuality, a rarity in a country where hardly anything runs on time. Unlike its less-reliable predecessor, it adhered to its schedule with unwavering commitment. The train attendants, a dedicated crew, embodied hospitality, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. The sense of security with a security marshal and emergency care staff discreetly present, ever-vigilant guardians of our well-being was reassuring.

As the train roared to life, some passengers cheered, mostly the youthful ones, when the announcement welcomed us aboard and wished us a pleasant ride to Mombasa. As we conversed with an attendant, the weight of a remarkable statistic settled upon us—over 2,000 days of safe passenger transportation, a testament to the SGR's fidelity to safety.

It was a visual feast of a journey. The vast expanse of Tsavo National Park unfolded a rich tapestry of rare animal encounters and the silent promise of undiscovered migratory corridors. Finding out that more than 11 million passengers had travelled this route in six years provided a clear picture of the SGR's revolutionary effects. The planned branch line linking Mombasa Island and the mainland terminal hinted at the promise of even more accessibility.

A bonus on the train was the promise of Wi-Fi, a future convenience made possible by installing fibre optic cables. The elevated tracks, a safeguard against floods and animal collisions, spoke volumes about the meticulous planning behind the SGR project. Well-lit stations, adorned with clear signage, ensured all passengers a smooth and stress-free experience.

Our choice of the Madaraka Express resonated deeply. This mode of travel champions sustainability, a cause we wholeheartedly embrace. The reduced carbon footprint, a stark contrast to flights and road trips, aligned perfectly with our environmental conscience. The presence of a dedicated communication expert from the SGR, a testament to their unwavering dedication to passenger satisfaction, further solidified our positive impression.

Our return journey offered another surprise. There were designated service buses ferrying passengers from the Nairobi Terminus, taking them to various points within the city—a last act of convenience.

The Madaraka Express, far from an ordinary train ride, left an indelible mark in our hearts and minds. Among the many Kenyans, the prayer is that the SGR does not drop the ball–it must keep its fidelity to environmental responsibility and a seamless, comfortable, and unforgettable travel experience.

The author is a journalist