Kenya Railways has issued a public notice addressing the surge in demand for passenger services, particularly from students traveling back to school.
This comes amid reports that some students whose tickets were carried forward after schools reopening was postponed were ejected from their seats to give way for current tickets.
In a statement on Monday, May 13, 2024, Kenya Railways says despite adding more coaches to its fleet, the number of bookings has exceeded its capacity.
“We wish to inform members of the public that following the announcement by the government on the reopening of primary and secondary schools, the corporation has received an overwhelming demand for passenger services between Sunday, May 12th and Monday, May 13th, 2024, including students wishing to travel back to school in time for reopening,” the statement read in part.
“The Corporation further wishes to advise the public that we had already introduced additional coaches in both economy and first class to accommodate the students who had booked earlier before the postponement of the school opening dates. However, the demand over the last two days has been overwhelming.”
Kenya Railways says that it is doing everything possible to ensure that no passengers, including students, are left behind and that all students arrive safely at their various destinations.
On April 29, Kenya Railways announced the extension of the Madaraka Express tickets purchased by parents for students to travel back to school.
The corporation noted that the ticket extension will only apply to students and their accompanying guardians.
