Kenya Railways has announced an additional Madaraka Express passenger service between Nairobi and Mombasa during the festive season. The new daily service will operate from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, to accommodate increased demand from holiday travellers. This move aims to provide more travel options for passengers during the busy Christmas and New Year holidays. The railway operator made the announcement on Friday, November 13.
The additional Madaraka Express service will run daily in both directions. The Nairobi-Mombasa train will depart at 9:40 am, and the Mombasa-Nairobi service will leave at 4:30 pm. Passengers travelling from Nairobi will arrive at Voi at 1:35 pm and depart five minutes later at 1:40 pm for Mombasa, arriving at 3:35 pm. The train will take approximately five to six hours to complete the journey.
For passengers travelling from Mombasa, the train will arrive at Voi at 6:15 pm and depart at 6:20 pm, reaching Nairobi at 10:55 pm. Kenya Railways encouraged passengers planning to travel during the festive season to book their seats early to avoid missing out due to increased demand. The Madaraka Express operates three daily passenger services from Mombasa Terminus in Miritini to Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau.
The Madaraka Express journey takes approximately five to six hours, depending on the service selected. The Inter-County train departs at 8:00 am and arrives in Nairobi at 2:10 pm, stopping at several stations along the way, including Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, and Athi River. This service has been popular among passengers due to its convenience and relatively short travel time.
The additional services are part of Kenya Railways' arrangements to manage the expected increase in passenger numbers during the Christmas and New Year holidays. By providing more travel options, Kenya Railways aims to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother travel experience for passengers. The company has been working to improve its services and accommodate growing demand.
Kenya Railways has been investing in its infrastructure and services to better serve the needs of its passengers. The addition of the new Madaraka Express service demonstrates the company's commitment to providing reliable and efficient transportation options. Passengers can book their seats in advance to secure their preferred travel dates and times.
The festive season is a peak travel period, and Kenya Railways is taking steps to ensure that passengers have a convenient and comfortable travel experience. With the additional Madaraka Express service, passengers will have more options to choose from, reducing the likelihood of sold-out trains and long wait times. Kenya Railways continues to work towards improving its services and meeting the evolving needs of its passengers.
Key points
- The additional Madaraka Express service will operate daily from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027.
- The train will depart from Nairobi at 9:40 am and from Mombasa at 4:30 pm.
- The journey takes approximately five to six hours, depending on the service selected.
