KENYA has taken delivery of 20 new passenger coaches from China to enhance transport capacity and elevate passenger experience. This acquisition includes 10 revamped economy-class coaches, four premium-class coaches, one dining car, one power car, and four first-class coaches.
‘This development is a significant milestone for the ministry as we continue to improve operational efficiency and service delivery in the transport sector,’ said Mohamed Daghar, principal secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Transport, during the flagging off ceremony in Mombasa.
Daghar noted that with these new passenger services, Kenya aims to transport 8.8 million passengers annually, which includes 6 million commuters and 2.8 million long-distance travellers. ‘The business and commerce sector is constantly growing, driven by the need for mobility. The government is committed to ensuring that this growth is matched with adequate transport and logistics infrastructure. This will secure Kenya’s growth locally and enhance our competitive advantage globally,’ Daghar added.
The new economy-class coaches come equipped with features designed to enhance passenger comfort and inclusivity, such as charging points at each seat, baby-changing areas, and fold-out tray tables. First-class coaches offer reclining seats arranged two by two across the width of the coach, while premium-class coaches provide optimised seating with a limit of 28 passengers per coach. This ensures ample legroom, personal space, and enhanced luggage solutions for travellers with extra baggage.
The introduction of these new coaches is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s transport infrastructure, making travel more efficient and comfortable for millions of passengers. The government’s commitment to improving transport and logistics infrastructure is set to support the growing business and commerce sectors, ensuring that Kenya remains competitive both locally and globally.
