Nairobi-bound SGR train ‘stalls’ for one hour
Kenya Railways on Wednesday issued an apology for a one-hour delay that a Nairobi-bound Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train experienced after it stalled at Kibwezi.
According the company, the delay was occasioned by a technical hitch.
“Passengers aboard the E1 train from Mombasa to Nairobi today (Wednesday) experienced an unscheduled 1 hour stop at Kibwezi during the journey,” the statement read in part.
However, Kenya Railways termed the delay that lasted one hour and fifteen minutes as an ‘unscheduled stop’.
The company said on Twitter that the situation was rectified and the train proceeded to the Nairobi Terminus.
“The situation has since been addressed and the train has proceeded with the journey towards Nairobi Terminus. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. We assure you of our commitment to continually provide an efficient and reliable service.”
Madaraka Express, Msa to Nairobi, stuck at Kibwezi. There was no official Comms for an hour. Apparently it’s a technical glitch.
— Githinji Mwai (@GithinjiMwai) July 12, 2017
Since its launch in June, two Madaraka Express trains have been departing at 9am daily from both directions, offering a four-and-a-half hour non-stop connection between Nairobi and Mombasa.
The trains have become popular with passengers due to low promotional prices and smooth rides, a situation that has left hundreds stranded at the stations.
The express train slashed the time for the 472 km journey to about four hours from 12 on the line built more than a century ago that stretched from Mombasa to the Ugandan capital of Kampala. The older line is operated by Rift Valley Railways.
The express line gives businesses and passengers a cheaper and safer alternative to single-lane highway between Nairobi and Mombasa that is often congested.
