Kenya Railways announces additional Madaraka Express train ahead of festivities

In a notice issued on Friday, November 13, the railway operator said the additional train would operate from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, offering passengers more travel options during the holiday period.

"To accommodate increased passenger demand during the festive season, Kenya Railways will operate an additional Madaraka Express Passenger Service train from 1st December 2026 to 4th January 2027,” the announcement said.

The additional service will run daily in both directions, with the Nairobi-Mombasa train departing at 9:40 am and the Mombasa-Nairobi service leaving at 4:30 pm.

Kenya Railways added that passengers travelling from Nairobi will arrive at Voi at 1:35 pm, depart five minutes later at 1:40pm for Mombasa, and are expected to arrive at 3:35pm.

For passengers travelling from Mombasa, the train will arrive at Voi at 6:15 pm and depart at 6:20 pm before reaching Nairobi at 10:55 pm.

Kenya Railways encouraged passengers planning to travel during the festive season to book their seats early to avoid missing out due to increased demand.

The additional services are part of Kenya Railways’ arrangements to manage the expected increase in passenger numbers during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Madaraka Express operates three daily passenger services from Mombasa Terminus in Miritini to Nairobi Terminus in Syokimau. The journey takes approximately five to six hours, depending on the service selected.

Departing at 8:00am, the Inter-County train arrives in Nairobi at 2:10 pm, stopping at Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, and Athi River.