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Hundreds of passengers whose journey from Mombasa to Nairobi was halted during Saba Saba will receive compensation from the Kenya Railways Corporation.

The operator of the Madaraka Express train announced a refund of ticket fees paid for the Nairobi-bound train, which was expected to depart on Sunday, July 6, at 10 pm.

In a notice to the public on Monday, July 16, Kenya Railways said those who were unable to travel via the alternative train will receive a refund.

"We wish to inform passengers affected by the suspension of the 10 pm Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi on July 6, 2025, that refunds will be issued to those who were unable to travel via the alternative train options provided," read the notice in part.

The corporation noted that passengers who had not printed their tickets will receive refunds automatically via their mobile number used during ticket purchase.

The entity requested the passengers who printed their tickets to present them at the nearest terminal or station for refund processing.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding," the corporation said.

For passengers who purchased first-class tickets, their refund will be KSh 4,500 per person.

Economy class passengers will get a refund of KSh 1,500 per person for those who missed the alternative train.

In January 2024, Kenya Railways increased its fares from KSh 1,000 to KSh 1,500 for economic tickets and from KSh 3,000 to KSh 4,500 for first-class tickets.

On Sunday, July 6, Kenya Railways issued a notice to passengers a few hours before the 10 pm departing train.

The majority of the passengers, who were already in the station awaiting to board, lamented the lack of clear communication that left them with no option but to look for accommodation.

Kenya Railways attributed the cancellation of the train to technical issues affecting the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train from Mombasa to Nairobi.

The entity did not give a clear timeline of when the next train would be available for the rescheduled trip or whether it would offer accommodation to the affected passengers.

This came amid heightened tension ahead of the Saba Saba protests, following the June 25 protests that led to the loss of property and businesses, forcing traders in Nairobi to develop security measures.

Source: TUKO.co.ke