In a surprising turn of events, Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has reported a dramatic decline in passenger numbers, with a staggering drop of over 200,000 commuters in recent months. This unexpected plunge has left many questioning what could have triggered such a massive reduction in ridership.
Sources from Kenya Railways indicate that the once bustling train stations are noticeably quieter, as fewer passengers are opting for the previously popular rail service. Analysts are now scrambling to understand the root cause behind this shocking drop. Is it rising ticket prices, shifting travel preferences, or perhaps growing competition from other modes of transport?
Some travellers have expressed frustration over delays and occasional service interruptions, while others speculate that the introduction of new bus services might be luring passengers away from the iconic railway. Additionally, the economic downturn has made some regular commuters rethink their travel expenses, further impacting SGR’s numbers.
With tourism also taking a hit, the once-packed Mombasa-Nairobi route is seeing fewer international travellers. Insiders hint that changes in train schedules could also be partly to blame, leaving daily commuters in a dilemma.
Kenya Railways is yet to issue an official statement regarding the decline, but industry experts warn that unless decisive measures are taken, the situation could escalate, potentially affecting the railway’s long-term sustainability.
Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the reasons behind this jaw-dropping passenger drop and explore potential solutions to revive Kenya’s beloved railway service.