Kenya is set to redefine luxury travel on its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) with the introduction of Premium Class Coaches, promising a high-end experience for travelers between Nairobi and Mombasa. The official commercial launch, scheduled for next month and to be presided over by President William Ruto, is expected to attract significant attention both locally and internationally, further boosting Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings.
The Premium Class Coaches, designed with opulence in mind, are set to offer passengers an unparalleled travel experience. During a recent test ride, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Abraham Korir Sing’Oei emphasized the strategic importance of these coaches in attracting high-profile dignitaries and tourists. “The VVIP services experienced in these coaches are for marketing purposes for visiting high-profile dignitaries. The services here outmatch what they experience in developed countries. This will, in return, boost foreign exchange,” Sing’oei remarked, highlighting the potential economic benefits of this luxury addition.
The delegation of African ambassadors who were the first passengers to experience the Premium Class Coach on its test run provided glowing feedback. Botswana’s Ambassador to Kenya, Ms. Sabdiyo Dido Bashuna, expressed her admiration, stating, “This is an experience only likened to what we go through in developed countries. Well done, Kenya—the ride was so smooth, and we were comfortable.” Uganda’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Hassan Wasswa Galiwango, added, “Sometimes it’s how you arrive, not when you arrive. This is a major infrastructure that brings pride to a nation such as Kenya.”
The Premium Class Coaches, each with a capacity of 28 passengers, are fitted with luxurious, adjustable seats, entertainment features, and fine dining services. Passengers are treated to gourmet meals at intervals during the 5-hour journey from Nairobi to Mombasa, making the Ksh.12,000 one-way ticket or Ksh.20,000 return ticket price a value proposition for those seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Maingi defended the pricing, noting the exceptional services provided. “It’s costly, yes, but look at the services provided. The entertainment, spacious adjustable seats, and fine dining services are top-notch—there’s value for money. There has also been a demand for VIP First Class coaches. Last year, we registered a staggering 2.5 million passengers,” Maingi explained, underlining the demand for premium services among SGR passengers.
The move to introduce Premium Class Coaches is part of a broader strategy to enhance Kenya’s tourism offering and position the SGR as a world-class travel option. The SGR has already played a pivotal role in improving domestic connectivity, and the addition of these luxury coaches is expected to attract more high-end travelers, including foreign tourists and business executives. The enhanced services are also anticipated to improve the overall perception of Kenya’s infrastructure, showcasing the country’s capacity to offer premium travel experiences.
The movement of the Premium Class Coaches during the test ride was closely monitored at the automated dispatch center stationed at the SGR Nairobi Terminus, ensuring that all safety and operational protocols were meticulously followed. The test ride concluded successfully at the Mombasa terminus, marking the final step before the official launch of commercial services in September.
The introduction of these luxury coaches is more than just an upgrade in travel—it is a statement of Kenya’s ambition to offer world-class services that rival those found in developed nations. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and tourism, the Premium Class Coaches are poised to become a symbol of Kenya’s progress and a key driver of economic growth through enhanced foreign exchange earnings.
As Kenya Railways prepares for the commercial launch, the anticipation among potential passengers and industry stakeholders is palpable. The Premium Class Coaches are set to elevate the SGR experience to new heights, offering travelers not just a journey, but an experience of luxury and comfort that reflects the best of what Kenya has to offer.
