(Posted 30th June 2024)
The Kenya Railways Corporation has confirmed the launch of a luxury travel services option on the Madaraka Express passenger train, over and above the economy and first class compartments.
On June 26th did KRC Managing Director Philip Mainga announce that the Premium Class Service aims to enhance passengers’ experience with sophisticated amenities and luxurious accommodations, specially aimed at travelers, and groups, seeking added comfort when traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa on the SGR train service.
Said Maina in his announcement: ‘In the spirit of constant innovation and improvement, the Madaraka Express Passenger Service is receiving an upgrade through the introduction of the Kenya Railways Premium Service. The service is designed for passengers seeking sophisticated and luxurious travel. Imagine a travel experience where every minute detail is well thought out to suit the needs of experience where every minute detail that the KR Premium Service is all about.’
The new compartment will accommodate only 28 passengers, providing ample legroom and personal space, configured comparably to a Business Class cabin on long haul aircraft. The seats are designed to fully recline.
Additionally, the KR Premium Service offers extra storage options for travelers with additional baggage. The compartment also features automated window shutters and the seats that can rotate to face any direction, enhancing the journey experience.
Also available for travelers using this option on the train will be enhanced catering services.
The new premium class passengers will also have access to VIP lounges and benefit from priority boarding and disembarkation at terminals, enhancing the convenience of their journey, again similar to premium passenger services airlines provide.
The trains offer options to embark or disembark at such waypoints like Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi and Mariakani, although the afternoon service only stops at Voi station and the night train operates non stop both ways.
