This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
Kenya Railways Bars Food, Drinks on SGR Trains ¶
Passengers on Kenya Railways' Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) trains are no longer allowed to bring food and drinks on board, sparking outrage among commuters.
According to a notice issued by the corporation on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as cooked food, are prohibited on the trains.
Passengers who attempt to bring food and drinks on board will be searched and their items confiscated at the checkpoints at the termini and stations.
The move has been met with anger from citizens who claim it is a ploy to profiteer. They argue that the prices of refreshments served on the trains are exorbitant, while the food itself is of poor quality or stale.
"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) ndio nikafikiwa (when they reached me). Not forgetting stale and overpriced.... Revisit," Naomi Kingola lamented.
Others have declared that they will not use the trains and prefer bus transport due to its more lenient rules.
"With these archaic directives by KRC, the bus transport will remain my choice, I cannot travel without drinks plus my prepared snacks," Vincent Mutinda said.
A few people have voiced concerns that the ban on foods would negatively affect some passengers with special needs and diets.
Wendy Wamboi Macopolo wondered, "What of mothers with small kids who are supposed to carry food? SGR you are failing big time!"
