[The president has ordered for the reduction of prices between Mombasa and Nairobi, with travellers now expected to pay Sh700.] (File)
President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed that the newly launched Standard Gauge Railway charge a maximum of Sh700 from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Speaking during the launch, the president said it will be fair for the train to charge the amount, in order to make it affordable for most travellers.
“We have calculated and found out that it costs roughly Sh1,200 from Mombasa to Nairobi using a bus. So we have decided that common mwananchi should be able to use this train and should not pay more than Sh700,” said the president amid jubilations from the crowd.
The train will make its maiden trip from Mombasa to Nairobi, with President Kenyatta among those travelling.
Initially, the construction of the railway was expected to cost a figure between Sh150B and Sh200B, but the figure rose to SH327B.
The project is expected to boost the economic fortunes of the country, beside easing pressure on the road transport system.
The time of movement between Mombasa and Nairobi will also be shorter compared road transport, with the SGR train taking roughly 4 hours to Nairobi.
There are two express trains operating between the two towns, with one also operating in towns and centres along the route.