Kenya Railways has announced an additional Madaraka Express passenger train to manage the expected rise in travel demand during the festive season along the Nairobi–Mombasa route.

The extra train will operate daily from 8th December 2025 to 5th January 2026, a period when many Kenyans travel for Christmas, New Year celebrations, and family visits. Kenya Railways said the move aims to relieve pressure on existing services and give travellers more flexibility.

“To support increased demand this festive season, an additional Madaraka Express Passenger train will run from 8th Dec 2025 to 5th Jan 2026,” the corporation said in a statement.

Premium class booked

The announcement comes after the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) management revealed that all premium class trains are fully booked until February 2026. In October, SGR Managing Director Philip Mainga said the high demand for travel to the coast required additional coaches and services, particularly in the premium class.

Mainga added that special trains may be introduced this festive season to accommodate passengers, citing a similar service that transported Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members to Mombasa for their 20th anniversary celebrations.

“Demand for premium class is very high. We are ordering more coaches to ensure everyone is accommodated. We are fully booked for Christmas, but we are willing to run special trains to allow Kenyans to travel to Mombasa and return safely,” Mainga said.

Kenya Railways also reminded passengers to book tickets only through official channels to avoid fraud. The corporation said tickets can be purchased via the official portal, the USSD code, or at any Madaraka Express station. It warned against third-party websites or social media platforms claiming to sell tickets, as these are often scams.

The Madaraka Express operates on the SGR line between Nairobi and Mombasa, stopping at key stations including Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, and Mariakani. This is not the first time Kenya Railways has introduced additional trains to manage festive travel, with special services also running during previous holiday seasons.