SGR Forced To Suspend Passenger Trains Following Cessation

The cessation introduced by President Uhuru Kenyatta has forced the Kenya Railways to cancel services of its two-Passenger trains indefinitely.

The cessation which is expected to run for 21 days has affected four counties which include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale that are deemed to be Covid-19 hotspots.

Following the cessation, Kenya Railways has been left with no choice but to suspend its Madaraka passenger train as the movement of people to the designated areas has been banned.

“The two MADARAKA EXPRESS trains that operated daily at 10:30 am between Nairobi and Mombasa have been withdrawn forthwith,” said Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga in a statement.

The Kenya Railways MD assured passengers who had purchased tickets before the cessation that they will receive refunds from the Kenya Railways Corporation.

However, the cargo trains have not been affected since the president ordered them to continue operations to ensure a steady flow of food and medical supplies to the affected areas.

Since movement within the Nairobi metropolitan area has not been banned, SGR passenger trains bound for Ruiru, Embakasi, Syokimau, and Kikuyu stations.

During his National Address on Monday, April 6, 2020, the President introduced various measures to combat the spread of the Covid-19 virus which has now infected 172 people in the country.

The President barred any movement by road, Air or rail in and out of the four counties marked as the Covid-19 hotspots.

Movement in and out of the Nairobi Metropolitan area has been banned for a period of 21 days effective April 6, 2020. The measures will take effect in the other three counties from April 8, 2020.

“The cessation of movement within the Nairobi metropolitan area shall be for an initial containment period of 21 days with effect from 7 pm on Monday, April 6, 2020.”

“The cessation of movement within the counties of Kilifi, Kwale, and Mombasa shall be for an initial containment period of 21 days with effect from 7 pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. In the intervening period, movement in and out of the Coastal strip shall be limited.”

Kenyans have also been urged to minimize movements within the affected areas, wear protective gear if they have to move and maintain proper hygiene while staying indoors or after coming from public places.