Nairobi-Mombasa SGR passenger train services to resume on Monday

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.