Kenya Railways has rolled out an additional Madaraka Express train for the festive season, a direct response to a massive surge in holiday travel demand on the Nairobi-Mombasa line. The new service is scheduled to operate from December 8, 2025, through January 5, 2026, aiming to ease the travel congestion for thousands of Kenyans heading to the coast.

This move is critical for families and holidaymakers, as the national rail operator grapples with a travel boom that has seen its premium class cabins fully booked until February 2026. The decision underscores the Madaraka Express's growing role as the preferred mode of transport for many, prized for its safety and reliability over the nation's busy highways during the peak Christmas and New Year period.

Easing the Holiday Congestion

The additional train is timed to capture the peak travel window. The Nairobi to Mombasa service will depart at 9:40 AM, arriving on the coast at 3:35 PM. For those returning to the capital, the train will leave Mombasa at 4:30 PM, reaching Nairobi at 10:55 PM. “We are committed to providing a safe and convenient travel experience, and the additional services will help ease congestion while maintaining punctuality,” Kenya Railways noted in a public notice.

This intervention is not just about convenience; it's about the economy of the Kenyan household. With bus fares and air tickets often skyrocketing in December, the SGR offers a more predictable and often more affordable alternative for families looking to reunite or take a well-deserved break. The surge in train passengers directly fuels the coastal tourism economy, which reports a significant spike in hotel and resort bookings during this period.

A Pattern of Growing Demand

The demand for SGR services has been on a steady incline, reflecting a significant shift in domestic travel habits. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows a consistent rise in passenger numbers over recent years. This year's festive demand prompted Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga to acknowledge the pressure, stating that the corporation is considering ordering more coaches to meet the ever-growing need, especially for the popular premium class.

To manage the rush, Kenya Railways has urged travellers to secure their seats well in advance. Bookings can be made through several official channels:

• The online portal: metickets.krc.co.ke
• The USSD mobile code: *639#
• Directly at Madaraka Express stations

As thousands prepare to travel, the corporation also issued a stern warning to motorists about the dangers of obstructing railway crossings, a problem that has led to avoidable accidents. The focus remains on ensuring every traveller's journey is not just timely, but safe.

Looking ahead, the consistent sell-out of festive season trains signals a clear need for increased capacity. As Mainga confirmed, “We are willing to run special trains and ensure that Kenyans go to Mombasa and enjoy themselves and come back.”