President Uhuru Kenyatta today launched the SGR train passengers and slashed fares between Nairobi and Mombasa for economy class tickets targeting majority of travellers.
The tickets had earlier been priced at Ksh900, which was seen as expensive, being just Ksh100 below the commercial rates for businesses and shuttles.
A further cut of Ksh200 to Ksh700 has, understandably, excited many Kenyans on Social Media as it offers a major relief to many Kenyans who are reeling under the growing cost of living.
Kenya Railways had announced the Ksh900 fare for economy class and Ksh3,000 for business class. He also capped cargo charges at Ksh50,000 per container.
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The launch of the train was attended by top Chinese and Kenya government officials.The President and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, along with government officials, diplomats and other Kenyans from all walks of life, rode on the train from Mombasa to Nairobi in an inaugural trip.
The railway is a flagship project of President Kenyatta’s administration.
On Tuesday, Mr Kenyatta flagged off a cargo train at the Mombasa port’s second container terminal in a colourful ceremony attended by officials from China Communications Construction Company and Exim Bank.
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“This is a historic moment we are witnessing today because this project will transform the economy of this country and all Kenyans,” he said.
China provided loans that were used to build the railway, a Vision 2030 flagship project, and its companies built the line and supplied locomotives.
The president said he would commission the execution of people convicted of vandalising the railway and sabotaging the economy. His warning followed the vandalism of a section of the railway in Mariakani that almost delayed the launch of the Ksh327 billion project.
[crp]
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