Kenya marks 1st anniversary of SGR passenger train amid smooth operation

Macharia said that Madaraka Express that has so far ferried about 1.3 million passengers, has unleashed huge benefits to critical sectors of the economy like manufacturing and tourism besides enhancing technology transfer.

He added that both the train and the SGR freight service launched in December last year are instrumental in driving the country's Big Four Agenda alongside quest to achieve regional integration.

Chen Yun, Vice President of CCCC, said the SGR project has been an integral part of Kenya's socio-economic transformation that has benefited ordinary citizens.

"The SGR is not only an engine for Kenya's economic development, but also a project that brings real benefits to people," said Chen.

"Up to now, the SGR operation business has trained some 1,600 Kenyan railway professionals," he added.

Chen stressed that safety and efficient service delivery will continue to underpin operations of the SGR passenger and cargo services in the future.

Madaraka Express, which is now making two trips in each direction between Nairobi and Mombasa daily, has attained over 95 percent occupancy while reducing by half the time spent to connect to Kenya's first and second-biggest cities.

An inter-county train that was launched in November last year has been making seven stops hence providing a safer, convenient and affordable mode of transport to Kenyans traveling to their rural homes.

Atanas Maina, the Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation, said Madaraka Express has operated without major hitches thanks to introduction of online booking platforms and upgrading of access roads in the main stations.