The standard gauge railway (SGR) passenger service between Nairobi and Mombasa has been fully booked ahead of the Easter celebrations.
The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has announced that tickets for the express train scheduled on18th and 19th April have been fully booked by passengers who will be traveling to Mombasa from Nairobi.
The announcement comes a fortnight to the Easter celebrations revealing that the bookings could have started as early as two months ago.
Travelers who wish to visit the Coastal region will have to go for the available expensive alternatives such as air or road to travel.
Travelers who have not booked the SGR from Mombasa to Nairobi will also be forced to seek alternative methods of travel as it is fully booked on 22nd April. However, there are a few seats left on the 23rd April for the second class coach from Mombasa to Nairobi.
The Coastal hoteliers and business people are set to reap big with the influx of local and international tourists.
“We are fully booked on 18th and 19th April from Nairobi to Mombasa on the express train. The train is also booked on its way back to Nairobi from Mombasa on April 22,” Kenya Railways acting managing director Philip Mainga said.
Fares have however increased with almost doubles as airlines seek to reap in the Easter festivities.
Passengers flying to Mombasa on 18th April on Jambojet are paying up to 9,500 shillings from a previous 4, 000 shillings. Passengers flying Fly540 will pay 9,270 shillings for 18th April flights from a previous 3,950 shillings.
Fares are expected to continue rising as we approach the Easter holidays and drivers are advised to ensure high discipline on the roads to avoid any casualties. More than 30 people have died in March in three fatal road accidents and Kenyan drivers ought to be extra cautious during festive seasons.