The move comes amid an upsurge in passenger demand ahead of the mid-November travel rush.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the state corporation stated that the supplementary trips would operate on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15, in both directions.
According to Kenya Railways, an extra train will depart Mombasa at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, making a brief five-minute stop in Voi at 11:20 a.m. before continuing to Nairobi, where it is expected to arrive at 3:48 p.m..
On Saturday, November 15, an additional service will operate in the opposite direction, leaving Nairobi at 9:45 a.m., stopping for five minutes in Voi, and proceeding to Mombasa, where it is expected to arrive at 3:36 p.m.
The corporation said the decision was made after reviewing recent travel patterns and noticing that many passengers were unable to secure tickets due to full bookings, particularly during weekends and public events.
In a notice issued on Thursday, the state corporation stated that the supplementary trips would operate on Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15, in both directions.
According to Kenya Railways, an extra train will depart Mombasa at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, making a brief five-minute stop in Voi at 11:20 a.m. before continuing to Nairobi, where it is expected to arrive at 3:48 p.m..
On Saturday, November 15, an additional service will operate in the opposite direction, leaving Nairobi at 9:45 a.m., stopping for five minutes in Voi, and proceeding to Mombasa, where it is expected to arrive at 3:36 p.m.
The corporation said the decision was made after reviewing recent travel patterns and noticing that many passengers were unable to secure tickets due to full bookings, particularly during weekends and public events.
Kenya Railways emphasized that the extra trips are part of ongoing efforts to ensure seamless connectivity, promote tourism, and support economic activity along the SGR corridor.
“We have continued to witness increased travel demand, especially during weekends and holidays. The additional trips are meant to enhance convenience for passengers and ensure efficient movement between Nairobi and Mombasa,” the corporation said in its statement.
Currently, the Madaraka Express SGR service operates three main trips daily between the two cities.
The inter-county train service, which departs at 8:00 a.m., makes several traditional stopovers at Mtito Andei, Voi, Emali, Kibwezi, and Mariakani, allowing passengers traveling to intermediate towns to board and alight conveniently.
The express train service departs Nairobi at 3:00 p.m. and only stops in Voi before proceeding directly to Mombasa. This service is popular among business travelers and tourists seeking a faster connection to the coast.
In addition, the night train service, which departs Nairobi at 10:00 p.m., operates on an express schedule and is expected to arrive in Mombasa at 3:35 a.m. the following morning. The night option caters mainly to travelers seeking to save daytime hours for work or leisure.
The SGR, officially launched in 2017, has become one of Kenya’s most utilized modes of transport, linking the capital to the coastal region.
“We have continued to witness increased travel demand, especially during weekends and holidays. The additional trips are meant to enhance convenience for passengers and ensure efficient movement between Nairobi and Mombasa,” the corporation said in its statement.
Currently, the Madaraka Express SGR service operates three main trips daily between the two cities.
The inter-county train service, which departs at 8:00 a.m., makes several traditional stopovers at Mtito Andei, Voi, Emali, Kibwezi, and Mariakani, allowing passengers traveling to intermediate towns to board and alight conveniently.
The express train service departs Nairobi at 3:00 p.m. and only stops in Voi before proceeding directly to Mombasa. This service is popular among business travelers and tourists seeking a faster connection to the coast.
In addition, the night train service, which departs Nairobi at 10:00 p.m., operates on an express schedule and is expected to arrive in Mombasa at 3:35 a.m. the following morning. The night option caters mainly to travelers seeking to save daytime hours for work or leisure.
The SGR, officially launched in 2017, has become one of Kenya’s most utilized modes of transport, linking the capital to the coastal region.
It continues to serve thousands of passengers daily, significantly reducing travel time and offering an affordable alternative to air and road transport.
Over the years, Kenya Railways has periodically introduced extra trains during high-demand periods such as festive seasons, school holidays, and major national events.
Over the years, Kenya Railways has periodically introduced extra trains during high-demand periods such as festive seasons, school holidays, and major national events.
The corporation says these measures have helped to manage congestion, maintain service efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Passengers can book their tickets online through the official Kenya Railways website, the Madaraka Express app, or via the USSD code *639#, which allows travelers to choose preferred travel times and seats.
The agency urged travelers to make early bookings to avoid last-minute inconveniences, noting that SGR tickets often sell out quickly during peak travel periods.
“We encourage passengers to take advantage of the added capacity and plan their trips early. Kenya Railways remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transport for all Kenyans,” the statement concluded.
Passengers can book their tickets online through the official Kenya Railways website, the Madaraka Express app, or via the USSD code *639#, which allows travelers to choose preferred travel times and seats.
The agency urged travelers to make early bookings to avoid last-minute inconveniences, noting that SGR tickets often sell out quickly during peak travel periods.
“We encourage passengers to take advantage of the added capacity and plan their trips early. Kenya Railways remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable transport for all Kenyans,” the statement concluded.
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