SGR to resume services following Uhuru’s announcement

Kenyans wishing to travel using the Standard Gauge Railway will now be able to do so following an announcement made by the Kenya Railways Corporation on Monday, July 6.

Through a notice, the Kenya Railways announced that they would release an operational schedule as they resume the Madaraka Express passenger service.

“Following the lifting of cessation of movement order by H.E. President Kenyatta, we wish to inform the public that the Ministry of Transport and Kenya Railways in conjunction with the SGR operator, Africa Star Railways Operation Limited, will be releasing a new operational schedule in due course,” read part of the notice.

Kenya Railways also urged Kenyans to remain patient as they put up the mechanisms in place to resume the services. 

They added that the Ministry of Health guidelines would also be observed to curb the spread of the pandemic.

In April 2020, the Kenya Railways announced that all SGR passenger services would remain closed until further notice after President Uhuru ordered the cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.

During his address on Monday, President Uhuru extended the 9 pm to 5 am curfew, but lifted the cessation of movement in Nairobi, Mombasa and Mandera counties.

Speaking on the transport system, which has been greatly affected by the pandemic, Uhuru said that only certified public transport vehicles will be allowed in and out of previously contained areas, provided they follow guidelines by the Ministry of Health.

The president also announced that local air travel shall resume by July 15 and International flights from August 1, under the Ministry of Health and Transport guidelines.