Transport CS James Macharia on Wednesday announced that the
Madaraka Express passenger train from Nairobi to Mombasa will resume on Monday,
July 13, 2020.
While speaking to the press, CS Macharia stated that the
first train will depart Nairobi at 8am and will arrive in Mombasa at 12.45pm.
The same train will depart Mombasa at 1.25pm and is expected
to arrive in Nairobi at 6.40pm to ensure passengers get to their destinations
before curfew time.
The train will, however, carry only 600 passengers which is
50percent of its capacity.
To ensure social distancing is adhered to, the Kenya
Railways will avail 10 coaches for passengers.
There will be an additional coach to isolate passengers
suspected to be infected with Coronavirus.
“The extra coach will leave empty and we hope it will arrive
in Nairobi/Mombasa empty because it will be used for only one purpose; to carry
any suspected case of COVID-19 detected during the journey between Nairobi and
Mombasa and vice versa,” said the CS.
On other PSVs that have resumed operations, Macharia said
they need to adhere with the set guidelines and must obtain a document to show
compliance with the procedures.
“PSVs leaving areas previously under cessation must have
document as they go into counties to ensure accountability and compliance on a
continuous basis…” he said.
On Tuesday, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe discouraged Kenyans
against unnecessary travel especially since Nairobi and Mombasa have the
highest number of Coronavirus cases.
Kagwe noted that community transmission was on the rise and
those going upcountry should carry masks and sanitisers.