Why was the Mombasa-Nairobi train cancelled?
Kenya Railways has resumed operations of the Madaraka Express passenger train, following a sudden cancellation on Sunday night. The cancellation, which left hundreds stranded, was blamed on a technical hitch. In a statement released Monday morning, the company clarified that the interruption was not related to public demonstrations, but rather an operational issue. “We wish to reiterate that the train suspension was due to a technical hitch and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” read the statement.
How are affected passengers being supported?
To accommodate all affected travelers, Kenya Railways confirmed that a special transport arrangement is now in place. The Monday morning train is scheduled to leave Mombasa at 8 a.m., and passengers who missed Sunday’s service have been instructed to report to Mombasa Terminus at that time. “In the meantime, we have worked on a mechanism to transport all affected passengers, including those who missed the earlier train,” the operator said. “Tickets dated 6th July, 2025 will be deemed valid for boarding and travel.”
This move is aimed at easing the backlog and ensuring no ticketed traveler is left behind due to the unanticipated disruption.
What led to protests and travel blockages in Mombasa?
The service disruption coincided with rising tensions in Mombasa, where police reportedly blocked hundreds of Nairobi-bound youths at the Dongo Kundu Bypass. The youths, who had attended the Summer Tides Festival in Diani, were stopped near Likoni on suspicion that they were heading to Nairobi for the Saba Saba protests. The cancellation of the 10 p.m. Madaraka Express train further escalated the situation, sparking criticism over how the sudden changes were communicated.
Despite the rocky Sunday night, Kenya Railways now says it is back on track, working to restore normal service while managing the fallout from the delay.
By Lucky Anyanje
