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Members of Parliament on Friday, December 6, 2024, converged at the Standard-Gauge Railway station in Syokimau to take their trip to the coastal city of Mombasa in preparation for the East African Community Inter-parliamentary games beginning on Saturday.

The MPs who usually fly to Mombasa during conferences were directed by the National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula to opt for the train as part of austerity measures introduced by the state.

”Honourable members as much as we possibly can, on cost-cutting measures, you will (including yours truly), travel to Mombasa via SGR,” Wetang’ula said on November 19, 2024.

SGR premium

While it is unclear whether the MPs will take the SGR premium trip to the coast which costs at least Ksh12,000 for a one-way trip, local flights cost as low as Ksh9,800 for a one-way trip to the coastal city.

This also comes after the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicated that the SGR trains recorded a drop of 171,803 passengers between January and September as compared to the same period in 2023.

The SGR premium has four coaches with a capacity for 112 passengers, meaning the MPs would have to travel on different trips.

The luxury coaches offer a VIP travel experience, right from the spacious VIP lounge where the passengers of the premium service wait for their departures, right to inside the coaches.

The premium coaches offer premium travellers a luxury experience with world-class amenities, including ample space for relaxation, and extra storage for luggage and shoes.

Additionally, the coaches will come fully equipped with entertainment facilities customised for every premium passenger travelling to or from Nairobi to Mombasa.

The premium coaches come with wireless charging systems installed for travellers willing to enjoy luxury travel.

EAC games

The EAC inter-parliamentary games will feature legislators from all the member states including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The opening ceremony for the games which will be held on December 7, 2024, will be marked with a procession from the Office of Mombasa Governor to Mama Ngina Waterfront where speeches will be delivered.

The games that will be played include; golf, football, athletics, tug of war, netball, volleyball, basketball and darts for Persons with Disabilities.

The Kenya Ports Authority’s Mbaraki Stadium will be the primary venue for football and athletics events while other venues like the Aga Khan Academy, Uwanja wa Mbuzi, Sheikh Zayed Academy and Makupa Members’ Club will serve as training grounds and host other sports disciplines.