New SGR premium coaches charging up to Sh20K offer lactation, baby changing stations

New mothers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) can now enjoy premium coaches equipped with lactation stations and baby changing rooms, offering them much-needed convenience.

The new premium class tickets are priced at Sh12,000 for a one-way trip and Sh 20,000 for a return journey, offering a saving of Sh4,000 for round-trip bookings.

Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar, flagged off the newly acquired coaches on Monday. Mohammed was accompanied by key figures, including Chairman of Kenya Railways Corporation Abdi Bare, Managing Director Philip Mainga, Chairman of Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Benjamin Tayari and KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto.

The officials reviewed the new coaches recently offloaded, consisting of 10 economy class, four first class, and four premium coaches.

PS Mohammed highlighted the features of the latest premium coaches that aim to improve the travel experience for all passengers, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

“Today, we are moving from cargo to passenger services, ensuring that we facilitate comfortable travel between Nairobi and Mombasa. We have also incorporated amenities for lactating mothers and baby changing rooms, addressing the feedback we have received since 2017,” he said

"These are the first of their kind in Kenya, designed for maximum comfort. Each coach can carry 28 passengers, has seats that fully recline to a flatbed, and is equipped with charging points for mobile devices. Passengers will also enjoy Kenyan cuisine and be provided with blankets for overnight travel."

Transport PS Mohammed Daghar flags the newly acquired Madaraka Express Passenger Service Coaches on Monday, July 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He also emphasised that one SGR coach was specifically set aside for the elderly and people with disabilities. The coach is equipped with spacious toilets and the necessary assistive equipment.

Economy-class passengers will also benefit from upgrades, including four charging stations per seating arrangement and dining cars offering various beverages and food options.

PS Mohammed lauded the developments, stating that the government had listened to passengers and made swift improvements to enhance their travel experience.

To support these enhancements, a new power car has been introduced, capable of carrying 20 coaches, addressing the high demand for SGR services.

"We urge Kenyans to try this new service. We assure you of safety, comfort, and seamless travel with our newly introduced premium class," said Daghar.

Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar (left) inspects the newly acquired Madaraka Express Passenger Service Coaches on Monday, July 22, 2024. (Photo: Kenya Railways)

"We have been struggling with the demand, but with this new power car, we can meet the capacity to carry more passengers between Nairobi and Mombasa," Daghar explained.

Kenya Railways is also expanding its commuter rail network, ensuring last-mile connectivity for passengers arriving in Miritini, Mombasa, or Syokimau, Nairobi.

The PS explained that the expansion will ensure passengers continue moving throughout Kenya, with plans to reach other cities such as Kisumu, Eldoret, and Bungoma.

He mentioned that since 2017, Kenya Railways has moved 12 million passengers, and their strategic plan aims to move 8.8 million passengers annually by 2027. This includes 6 million through commuter rails and 2.2 million on long-distance trains from Nairobi to Mombasa.

PS Mohammed also emphasised the importance of competition in transport, stating, "We want to ensure healthy competition in all means of transport, whether we are moving cargo or passengers."

Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar and other officials inspect the newly acquired Madaraka Express Passenger Service Coaches on Monday, July 22, 2024. (Photo: Kenya Railways)