Kenya Railways has introduced new Premium class coaches to enhance the travel experience on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar today conducted an inspection of these state-of-the-art coaches at the Port Reitz Freight station, accompanied by key officials from Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Railways. The new Premium class coaches are designed to redefine luxury travel in Kenya and they feature modern amenities including fully reclining seats for maximum comfort and relaxation. Each coach has a capacity of 28 seats with ample legroom, a significant improvement over the standard wagons.
The new fleet comprises four premium coaches, three first-class coaches, eleven upgraded economy coaches, a dining car, and a power car. Kenya Railways has assured the public that these coaches will soon be integrated into the SGR service. This development follows an announcement made by Madaraka Express on July 5, where they unveiled plans to introduce premium services. The announcement has generated considerable interest among Kenyans, with many eagerly inquiring about launch dates and routes on social media. Kenya Railways has responded by urging patience, stating that they are in the final stages of preparation and will share specific timelines soon.
While the pricing for the new luxury coaches has not been disclosed, Kenya Railways has indicated that passengers will enjoy additional benefits. These include access to VIP lounges, priority boarding and disembarkation at terminals, extra storage space, and catering services in segregated compartments offering privacy and exclusivity. The introduction of these premium coaches is part of a broader strategy by Kenya Railways to enhance its services and increase its market share in the transport sector.
This move comes on the heels of another significant development where Transport PS Mohamed Daghar recently flagged off 430 new wagons designed to improve freight operations on both the Standard Gauge Railway and the Metre Gauge Railway. These initiatives are expected to boost the efficiency of cargo transportation from the Port of Mombasa, potentially reducing road congestion and improving overall logistics in the country. The new premium coaches are anticipated to attract more passengers seeking a luxurious travel experience on the popular Mombasa-Nairobi route.
I would pay for that – the…
I would pay for that – the current “first class” ride is a joke!