How Affected Passengers Will Be Refunded After Saba Saba Train Disruptions
Kenya Railways has confirmed that it will refund tickets to passengers affected by the cancellation of the Madaraka Express train service from Mombasa to Nairobi on July 6, 2025.
In a public statement released on Tuesday, the railway corporation stated that travellers who missed the 10:00 PM train and were unable to use the alternative transport arrangements made by the company will receive full refunds.
“Kenya Railways wishes to inform passengers affected by the suspension of the 10:00 PM Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi on July 6, 2025, that refunds will be issued to those who did not manage to travel using the alternative train services that were arranged,” read part of the statement.
The corporation explained that the method of refund will depend on how the passengers obtained their tickets. Those who had not printed their tickets will have their refunds automatically processed and sent to the mobile phone number they used to buy the ticket. However, travellers who had already printed their tickets will need to visit the nearest railway station or terminus to get their refunds processed in person.
“For passengers who had printed their tickets: Kindly present your printed ticket at the nearest termini or station for refund processing. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding,” Kenya Railways added.
The cancellation of the train service, which happened just a day before Saba Saba Day, sparked widespread anger and criticism online. Many Kenyans took to social media to voice their frustration, accusing Kenya Railways of poor communication and suspect timing.
Several passengers claimed the suspension was a tactic to prevent people, especially young travellers, from reaching Nairobi for the planned Saba Saba demonstrations. The decision was seen by some as a deliberate move to limit public participation in the protests.
One angry traveller posted, “I’m already on my way to the train, and this is how you notify us? You have our contact information—why not send an SMS to inform us in advance? What’s the solution—are we being rescheduled to another train?”
Another social media user commented, “It’s just sad. Hundreds of young people were left stranded, some with no place to go. This feels like a way of stopping them from reaching Nairobi for Saba Saba. People’s safety is being ignored just for political reasons.”
The criticism grew stronger after reports surfaced that many young people returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival were also blocked by authorities at the Dongo-Kundu bypass near Likoni in Mombasa on the same day. This added to suspicions about the reasons behind the last-minute cancellation.
Additionally, earlier in the day, several other passengers were stopped by police and missed their 2:00 PM Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) train, deepening public concern over whether the disruptions were politically motivated.
The combination of cancelled services, blocked roads, and lack of proper communication left many Kenyans questioning the motive behind the suspension. Calls for better transparency and accountability from Kenya Railways and government authorities have continued to rise since the incident.
Join Gen Z & Millennials New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
