SGR Ticket Prices to Hike by 50% in 2024
Kenya Railways has recently revealed a forthcoming fare adjustment, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, impacting passengers traveling on several key routes. This fare review will be applicable to travellers on the Nairobi to Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Nairobi commuter rail service, as well as the Kisumu and Nanyuki safari trains.
The management of Kenya Railways conveyed this news through a statement released on a Wednesday afternoon. Commencing from January 1, 2024, passengers journeying from Nairobi to Mombasa via the SGR can anticipate a fare increase. Economy class fares will see an adjustment from the current Ksh1,000 (approximately $6.64) to Ksh1,500 (about $9.95), while first-class fares will rise from Ksh3,000 (around $19.91) to Ksh4,500 (approximately $29.86).
The rationale behind this fare increase is attributed to recent changes in the energy and petroleum sector. Notably, escalating fuel prices have substantially impacted the operational costs of Kenya Railways. Consequently, the adjustment in fares has become a necessary measure to offset these rising costs.
Travelers making advance bookings for the Madaraka Express passenger service will observe the new fare structure from Wednesday. The revised fares for various routes in both first-class and economy class are as follows:
First Class SGR Ticket Prices:
- Nairobi to Mariakani: Ksh4,310 (approximately $28.60)
- Athi River to Mombasa: Ksh4,340 (about $28.80)
- Emali to Mombasa: Ksh3,350 (approximately $22.23)
- Voi to Mombasa: Ksh1,320 (about $8.76)
Economy Class SGR Ticket Prices:
- Nairobi to Mariakani: Ksh1,500 (around $9.95)
- Athi River to Mombasa: Ksh1,430 (approximately $9.49)
- Emali to Mombasa: Ksh1,100 (about $7.30)
- Voi to Mombasa: Ksh440 (around $2.92)
For travelers on the Nairobi-Suswa route, the adjusted fares are as follows:
- Nairobi to Suswa/Mai Mahiu: Ksh250 (approximately $1.66)
- Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong: Ksh130 (about $0.86)
Notably, passengers heading from Rongai to Ngong will be charged Ksh70 (approximately $0.46), while the rest of the commuters on various routes, such as Rongai to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, Ngong to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, and Mai Mahiu to Suswa, will pay Ksh130.
Furthermore, the fare structure accommodates varying pricing for children. Those aged between three and 11, traveling with adults, will be charged half of the standard fare, while passengers above the age of 11 will pay the full fare.
