People who want to travel using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will from next month have to dig deeper into their pockets following a 50 per cent fare hike.

In a detailed fare chart seen by People Daily, Kenya Railways Authority also announced fare review for passengers using Nairobi commuter rail service, Mai Mahiu and Suswa trains.

Passengers travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa will pay Sh1,500 (economy class) and Sh4,500 (first class) up from Sh1,000 and Sh3,000 respectively.

Other charges are (first class) Nairobi to Mariakani Sh4,310, Athi River to Mombasa Sh4,340, Emali to Mombasa Sh3,350 and Voi to Mombasa Sh1,320.

Economy class: Nairobi to Mariakani Sh1,500, Athi River to Mombasa Sh1,430, Emali to Mombasa Sh1,100 and Voi to Mombasa Sh440.

Travelling from Nairobi to Suswa/Mai Mahiu will cost Sh250 while Nairobi to Rongai/Ngong will be Sh130.
Those leaving Rongai heading to Ngong will pay Sh70 as the rest pay Sh130 for commuting between Rongai to Mai Mahiu and Suswa, Ngong to Mai Mahiu and Suswa and Mai Mahiu to Suswa.

Children between three and 11 travelling with adults will pay half the price.

The increased charges come amid the high cost of living with the cost of fuel and basic commodities having risen beyond the reach of many Kenyans. Public Service Vehicles have increased fares by about 30 per cent.

Matatu Owners Association (MOA) says travellers from Nairobi to Western Kenya towns such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Mumias will now pay between Sh200 and 300 more.

Currently, passengers heading to Western Kenya from Nairobi pay about Sh1,500 on average.

Passengers to Nyanza counties of Homa Bay, Migori and Kisii will now pay between Sh100 and Sh200 from Nairobi, according to MOA’s price review.

“Passengers can expect a moderate increase of between 10-20 per cent of the current fares charged across the various routes, including town service and long-distance travels,” said lobby’s chairman Albert Karakacha.

A spot-check in various routes in Nairobi revealed that most city residents are paying higher fares.
Previously, from Nairobi’s central business district to Kayole Junction, passengers paid Sh60 but are now charged Sh100.

There is also an increase of about Sh20 for passengers who use Jogoo Road. Thika Road matatus have also increased charges from Sh50 to Sh80.