We can’t afford new train fares, city residents tell Kenya Railways

Kenyans have criticised the Kenya Railways (KR) over the Sh100 fixed one-way fare that passengers will be charged to use the newly-launched commuter trains.

KR, while releasing the schedule for the Nairobi commuter trains, said trains will operate on a fixed schedule across the city and will charge passengers a Sh100 flat rate to each destination.

Kenyans were angered by the decision and expressed their dissatisfaction with the fares especially during off-peak hours when passenger service vehicles (PSV) reduce their fares.

The DMUs, which will traverse five estates across Nairobi and its environs, will be operating from the Nairobi Central Station to the designated stops that were recently upgraded.

The new development is expected to attract a substantial proportion of the 1.5 million people who commute into and out of the Nairobi CBD every day and make commuting easier and faster.

But a majority of Kenyans, who had been accustomed to paying as low as Sh20 for short distances, urged KR to relook the new fares, terming them unrealistic and exploitative.

John Ngwava said it is outrageous for KR to charge that much fare especially for commuters who will alight along the way.

Use matatu

“This is outrageous, I live in Donholm and you want me to pay Sh100? I’d rather use a matatu, at least I will listen to some music before I get to my destination,” he wrote on Facebook.

Another commuter from Donholm also concurred with Ngwava on the fare charged: “Why would someone from Donholm pay (the) same fare with someone from Thika? It is not viable. Just like SGR, you will be forcing commuters to town to board your services. It won't wash. Price your fare accordingly. Makadara to town can't be Sh100.”

“I was actually expecting to pay Sh70 max. Looks like I won’t be using this service unless I must,” said Diana Munanka.

Rodney Agesa said: “If you are targeting motorists it makes sense but if it is the mass market of the current users of matatus then the pricing is off.”

Charles Mwabili Harry wondered if this was the much-hyped plan by the Kenya Railway to ease traffic congestion on the roads: “By charging such exorbitant fares? From Donholm to Makadara Sh100?”

Job Wekesa said: “Factor these three things: Energy, resources, time. So far you only beat matatus on time.”

Dan Mtetezi said: “People are running away from matatus which charge Sh70 and here you are introducing Sh100? And you call it public service?”