This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has backtracked on a contentious notice prohibiting commuters on the Standard Gauge Railway from carrying cooked food into stations and trains.
Published on October 5, 2019, the initial notice sparked widespread criticism, with many Kenyans expressing their discontent on social media.
However, in a recent clarification, KRC announced that it would allow children under three years and passengers with special needs to carry food at the various termini and into the SGR trains as usual.
Adults, on the other hand, will still be prohibited from carrying food or any alcoholic drinks while traveling on the SGR.
According to the statement, "Kenya Railways recently issued a public notice prohibiting food stuff and beverages into the SGR termini and stations. We do appreciate the feedback from the public…However, children below three (3) years and customers with special needs will be accorded special consideration."
"We have on many occasions encountered incidences of irresponsible behavior by some customers due to consumption of alcohol infringing on the privacy of passengers and exposing children to indecent behavior," the statement added.
Photos and videos allegedly taken aboard the SGR trains surfaced, showing commuters taking alcohol and engaging in rowdy behavior, which led to public outrage.
