The launch of the new premium coaches for the Madaraka Express passenger service train on Monday has elicited mixed reactions. The introduction of the 28-capacity executive, luxurious coaches has generated excitement, but some tourism industry players and the public have expressed concerns over the pricing.
Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, who inspected the four new coaches, announced that the fare would be Sh12,000 for a one-way trip and Sh20,000 for a return ticket.
Tourism expert Mohammed Hersi praised the premium coaches, noting that they will enhance the tourism industry by adding a touch of luxury.
“The positive side is that they look comfortable and nice. That is progressive,” he said.
“The pricing cannot be almost similar to a flight ticket. What will happen is that people will simply not take it unless you just want to ride the train,” the former Kenya Tourism Federation chairman told the Star on phone.
Hersi said the pricing should not be more than Sh6,000.
“Sh12,000 is an overkill. When one can fly to a meeting faster, safer and cheaper than the train, then people will start questioning the rationale of paying for a rail service that will take five times longer to reach a destination,” he said.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers CEO Mike Macharia said he is yet to get the feel of the premium coaches.
“Thus I cannot comment on it. I also don’t know how they arrived at the pricing so it will be difficult and unfair to comment,” he said.
However, some frequent travellers hailed the move saying it will provide an adventure and an experience that many only see in movies and experienced by rich who fly business class.
Don Bakari, a frequent flyer, said he will pay the amount for the experience.
“I would like to have the air experience on land,” he said.
Kadzandani MCA Fatma Kushe, who is the vice chairperson of the Mombasa county assembly health committee, said KRC should have considered increasing health facilities in the coaches instead of putting in more luxury.
“What happens if you are in the business, first or economy class and you get choked by food or you faint? Are there standby nurses on board? Is there any room that can act as a sick bay instead of announcement calling for any doctor on board?” Kushe asked.
She said the government has to get its priorities right.
“The health and safety of passengers should come before their luxury needs,” Kushe said.
In addition to the four premium coaches, the new consignment includes four first-class coaches, ten economy coaches, and two power wagons for powering the train. The first-class and economy coaches feature new and improved designs.
Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, who received the coaches last week, was accompanied by KRC Chairperson Abdi Barre, Managing Director Phillip Mainga, Kenya Ports Authority Chairman Benjamin Tayari, and Managing Director William Ruto.
“This is the first of its kind in the region. These coaches are highly comfortable and equipped with features to enhance passenger comfort,” Daghar stated.
The seats in these coaches can fully recline to a flat bed and offer ample legroom, allowing passengers to rest comfortably. Each seat is equipped with its own wireless charging port, reading light, USB ports, and a foldable table.
The dining coach has been upgraded to include four charging sockets at each table, a significant improvement over the current setup, which only has one charging socket at each end. This upgrade is also reflected in the economy class.
Special coaches for persons with disabilities, the injured, or the elderly have been introduced. These coaches feature more legroom, designated areas for wheelchairs, and accessible washrooms.
The economy class coaches now include baby changing rooms and spaces for lactating mothers. The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) plans to gradually withdraw the current coaches for redesign.
The new power cars are more efficient than the existing ones, capable of powering up to 20 coaches compared to the current 13. This upgrade aims to accommodate the high demand for SGR services.
“We have been struggling with demand for SGR. With these new additions, we are better positioned to meet that demand,” Daghar concluded.
