This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
On October 3, 2019, Kenya Railways issued a directive prohibiting passengers from bringing food and drinks onto SGR trains, citing concerns over unruly behavior and safety.
The move has been met with widespread criticism from commuters, who claim that the prices of refreshments served on the trains are exorbitant and the food is of poor quality.
Naomi Kingola, a passenger, lamented, "Kenya Railways please be client-oriented and not profit-oriented. Have you even tried to find out how long it takes for those trolley people to serve everyone? From Mombasa, I had to wait for them and we were past Mtito (Andei) nikafikiwa (when they reached me). Not forgetting stale and overpriced.... Revisit."
Others have vowed to avoid using the SGR trains and opt for bus transport instead, citing the more lenient rules and better food options.
However, a few passengers have expressed concerns that the ban on foods would negatively affect some passengers with special needs and diets, such as lactating mothers and vegetarians.
