KENYA Railways Corporation (KRC) has taken delivery of 20 new passenger coaches supplied by CRRC Nanjing Puzhen of China. They will operate Madaraka Express services on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi.
Testing has begun ahead of entry into passenger service, which KRC expects to begin soon.
CRRC Nanjing Puzhen has supplied 11 economy class coaches, four premium class coaches, three first class coaches, a dining car and a generator car to provide electrical power.
Speaking at an official ceremony to mark reception of the new fleet, Mr Mohamed Daghar, principal secretary at the State Department for Transport, said that the new coaches marked a crucial step in enhancing passenger comfort and improving the rail travel experience.
“Our customers will surely enjoy riding on these coaches,” he says. “The design and amenities provided are a guarantee of the nature of service we aspire to provide.”
Passenger feedback has guided the design of the new coaches, which offer improved accessibility through seating and toilets for passengers with reduced mobility as well as signage in braille.
The economy class coaches passengers have airline-style 3+2 seating, with all seats on each side facing the same direction rather than each other in bays. The premium coaches feature individual seats.
All the new coaches are air-conditioned and offer passenger amenities including Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, folding seatback tables and baby-changing areas.
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