The recently launched SGR in Kenya is already getting reviews, both negative and positive.These are some of the things you should know if you are planning on trying the Madaraka Express SGR.
1. No point buying a 1st class ticket.
– no priority ticketing office.
– no priority check in
Everyone is huddled like cattle irrespective of what you paid.
700 bob or 3000 shillings!
2. They keep time.
– I liked this. I am a stickler to time.
– many people were left behind, because they can’t keep time. Crying to deaf years about traffic.
3. They were not ready to launch.
– the restaurants on the station and in the train are not open yet. Carry your food and drinks from home.
4. No priority for children or elderly. No help either.
5. They don’t take cards or mpesa for ticket payment.
Carry cash or go to hell.
6. No signage directions to the railway stations.
One could easily get lost. Signage on the highway would help.
7. Corruption has reared its ugly head already.
– askaris at the station pre buy tickets in bulk, then sell them outside the station at a premium.
– I saw a Chinese family find their way through to the train without paying. They had no tickets and so the Kenyan security team told them to go buy tickets . They rudely told them off and said that they can speak Chinese to the superiors . Long story,,,,,,but I was thoroughly upset about the whole scene. It looked like a sl,,,,movie.
8. On Friday and Sunday,,,,they might need to have to trips from either side.
9 . Online ticketing is needed asap .
10. Why do we have Chinese folk doing jobs Kenyans can do?
Like ticketing? They should at least learn English and Swahili before doing some of those non technical jobs.
11. Kenyans need to learn how to use public toilets.
Guys are filthy!!!
12 . The views are the best one will ever experience in Kenya. The elephants in Tsavo are right at arms length. The flora and fauna of this country is unmatched.
I think every Kenyan should try the ride. If you have relatives who cannot afford the 700, please be kind and give them a gift.
The Madaraka Express SGR train is a good thing for this country and especially commuters who have been fleeced by bus companies and Air companies. All the above things can be sorted out in less then a day. Looking forward to having the line go to Serve our bothers and sisters in Northern kenya , western and Uasin Gishu areas.
By Rhoda Tsuma Mwebesa
