Kenya Railways received new economy class wagons for the Standard Guage Railway (SGR) trains, fitted with new features aimed at improving customer travel experience.
The railway corporation announced that the new trains will feature a different seating arrangement compared to the current ones where passengers face each other.
The seats on the new wagons are arranged per row, with one row of seats facing the destination while the other faces the departure station.
“The new Economy class stands out for several features designed to enhance passenger comfort. Notably, passengers will no longer sit facing each other.
“Instead, the 3 by 2 seating arrangement across the width of the coach will have passengers facing either the departing station or the destination station,” read the statement in part.
The corporation also announced that it had been taking feedback from customers and put in consideration their complaints of lack of crucial amenities needed during travel , most of which have been included in the new trains.
“Other features include charging ports for each passenger; a baby-changing area for freshening up babies during the journey; foldout tray tables and pocket seats for placing small items,” Kenya Railways stated.
The foldout trays are also usable when eating or when working on a laptop.
The current economy class tickets cost Kshs 1500 for a trip from Nairobi to Mombasa.
The new trains were unveiled a day after the launch of the Madaraka Express premium trains for luxury travel, charging Ksh12,000 for a trip between Nairobi and Mombasa.
The premium trains are equipped with reclining seats which can turn to any direction, entertainment screens, Wi-Fi as well as extra luggage compartments.
Passengers travelling in the premium coaches will also enjoy extra privacy owing to the segregated seating, personalized catering services as well as prioritized boarding and disembarking.
“With innovative improvements in freight operations, Kenya Railways is on course to transport 8.8 million passengers annually, comprising 6 million commuters and 2.8 million long-distance passengers,” Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar stated.
