Kenyans React as Govt Clarifies Suspension of Nairobi-Bound Train from Mombasa ahead of Saba Saba
- Kenya Railways Corporation suspended the Madaraka Express Nairobi-bound train from Mombasa on Sunday, July 6
- The corporation clarified that the temporary suspension was not a result of the anticipated Saba Saba protests but of technical issues
- The announcement issued at midnight sparked debate among Kenyans, with the majority demanding a refund of their ticket fees
Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Kenya Railways Corporation has issued an update after suspending the Nairobi-bound Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train from Mombasa on Sunday, July 6.
Source: Twitter
The corporation assured passengers that it is working tirelessly to resolve the technical issue that led to the temporary suspension of the passenger train.
What Kenya Railways said about Saba Saba
The commuter train operator said it is working on a mechanism to put all affected passengers on the Monday morning train departure.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
It assured passengers that tickets dated July 6, 2025, will be valid for boarding and travel.
"We wish to reiterate that the train suspension was due to a technical hitch. We thank you for your understanding as we prioritise your safety and comfort," read the notice in part.
What Kenyans said about suspension of SGR train
The communication sparked debate among Kenyans, with the majority demanding a refund of their ticket fees.
@dnkariuki noted:
"This is very insensitive. You’re sending out a broadcast at 1 am for people to be at the station at 8? Very callous. Very unprofessional. Very unfortunate."
@viency7 said:
"I need a refund of 3 first-class tickets because we needed to get out of Mombasa! Please advise on the way forward."
@anj_116_ reposted Kenya Railways' response:
"Technical issue indeed."
@gi_gi_T asked:
"This is what you came up with to avoid issuing refunds?"
@Nginyira questioned:
"The technical hitch did not affect the Mombasa-bound train? That uses the same track?"
@NdambukiFrancis wondered:
"You issue new notice midnight for people to be at SGR Taminus in the morning?"
@angiekamau1 asked:
"And then once people get to Syokimau, how does KRA expect them to move around Nairobi with all these roadblocks?"
@MartoNjau argued:
"Anyone with a ticket should not board the train but head to court with it and sue for damages. Demand billions, if not millions."
Source: Facebook
@DuncanKokonya said:
"Pay the accommodation of the affected passengers too."
@mutune_Kenya lamented:
"Thanks to you guys, I missed a very important interview. How are you going to compensate me?"
@ObimboCurtis said:
"Refund the money."
@ruthmax341 asked:
"So are you going to refund the ones that took buses since they are about to be in the office by that 8 am in Nairobi? Communicate like civilized people."
Read also
Raila Odinga's AI video claiming he's missed protests, declaring 'wantam' trends: "Kasongo"
Long-distance transport paralysed amid Saba Saba protests
Meanwhile, long-distance travellers were not able to enter the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Monday, July 7.
This is after the police took extra security measures to stop the movement of vehicles in and out of the country's capital.
Major roads leading to the CBD were barricaded, leaving the majority of passengers stranded.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
