The Kenya Railways Corporation has hiked its passengers trains fares by 50 percent effective January 1, 2024.
Through a notice to passengers on Wednesday, the firm said the new rates will affect Madaraka Express Passenger Service, Madaraka Express Commuter Service, Nairobi Commuter Rail Service, Kisumu Safari Train and Nanyuki Safari Train.
In the new rates, passengers travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa will pay KES 1,500 (economy class) and KES 4,500 (first class) up from the current KES 1,000 (economy class) and KES 3,000 (first class).
“The increase is informed by changes in the energy and petroleum sector where prices of fuel have significantly increased thus affecting the cost of our operations,” the statement explained.
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Kenya Railways management said the decision to increase fares stems from the significant increases in electricity and fuel from petroleum products which has had an overall impact on the cost of operations.
“Customers making advance purchases for the Madaraka Express Passenger Service will notice the adjusted fares from November 1, 2023 to take into account the advance ticket purchasing window of 60 days,” added Kenya Railways.
The reviewed fares are as follows:
First class; Nairobi to Mariakani (KES 4,310), Athi River to Mombasa (KES 4,340), Emali to Mombasa (KES 3,350) and Voi to Mombasa (KES 1,320). Economy class; Nairobi to Mariakani (KES 1,500), Athi River to Mombasa (KES 1,430), Emali to Mombasa (KES 1,100) and Voi to Mombasa (KES 440).
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Those plying the Nairobi-Suswa route will pay as follows;
Nairobi to Suswa/Mai Mahiu (Kes 250), Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong (Kes 130).Those leaving Rongai heading to Ngong will pay Kes 70 as the rest pay Kes 130 for commuting between Rongai to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, Ngong to Mai Mahiu and Suswa and Mai Mahiu to Suswa.
Children between three and 11 travelling with adults will pay half the price and those above 11 will pay full price.
Currently, a litre of Super Petrol is retailing at KES 217.36, diesel at KES 205.47 and kerosene at KES 205.06 in Nairobi.
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