This archive report was first published on 7 July 2021.
July 7, 2021, marked a concerning shift in coronavirus-prevention measures for commuters at Nairobi Railways Station. A spot check revealed that restrictions for rail travel were lower than those stipulated by the Ministry of Health.
Commuters on routes such as Ruiru, Dandora, Kahawa, Kikuyu, and Embakasi now face congestion and overcrowding, with many passengers avoiding hand-washing stations and proceeding directly to security checks. Tickets retail between Sh40-Sh150, and social distancing in coaches is non-existent, with some wagons accommodating over 100 passengers.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga defended the corporation's actions, stating, “We have an arrangement that is compliant, in fact, we are watching and dealing with every bit of the protocol at the same time trying to balance the issues facing Kenyans during these tough times going by our charges.”
Mainga also noted that the rail firm has maintained its economy passenger tariff of Sh1,000 from Nairobi to Mombasa, compared to a Sh3,000 charge by buses. However, this move has been met with criticism, as commuters are still expected to comply with Covid-19 rules, including wearing face masks and washing hands.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe warned of rising infections should Kenyans continue to disregard set out measures to prevent Covid-19 spread. “We don’t have enough police officers to ensure that such things are implemented. In other countries, it is about the discipline of the individuals. Discipline will decide how many die or survive in such pandemics, and that is a fact. Why board when they [trains] are full?” posed Kagwe.
