Nairobi-Mombasa SGR Train Service Fully Booked Ahead of Christmas

The passenger train operating on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Nairobi and Mombasa is fully booked ahead of Christmas.

Reports indicate the train service is 100 percent booked until December 27th as more Kenyans troop to the coastal city to enjoy the festivities.

Tour operator and Bella Safaris CEO George Njuguna told Citizen TV that the Madaraka Express trains have been carrying full capacity for the past week.

“The SGR has been fully booked since December 17, 2021…that tells you that local tourism has really improved,” said Njuguna.

Similarly, buses plying this route are also fully reserved with some operators adding more vehicles to meet the demand of travelers.

Demand for airfares to popular tourist destinations including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Kisumu has also increased by about 20 percent.

Hoteliers at the coast are also reporting improved bookings of as high as 80 percent but due to the COVID-19 protocols set by the government, they cannot realize 100 percent booking capacity.

“To adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines, some hotels are avoiding to onboard more guests as this may breach the regulations…they’re taking in between 70-80 percent,” added Njuguna.