Kenya Railways has announced the introduction of scheduled night stopovers at Voi for its Madaraka Express night trains, beginning Sunday, December 15, 2024.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 13, 2024, Kenya Railways confirmed the implementation of a presidential directive to include Voi as a stopover to enhance economic activities in the Taita-Taveta region.
“Kenya Railways is pleased to inform our customers that, effective December 15, 2024, the 10:00 PM Madaraka Express Passenger Service trains traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa will make a three-minute stopover at Voi station,” read the statement.
Stopover Timings
– The train departing from Nairobi Terminus towards Mombasa will stop at Voi station between 2:05 AM and 2:08 AM.
– The train departing from Mombasa Terminus towards Nairobi will stop at Voi station between 11:45 PM and 11:48 PM.
President William Ruto announced this development during his visit to Taita-Taveta County on December 4, 2024. He emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting trade and tourism in the region.
“I have directed the Ministry of Transport to ensure that night trains include Voi as a stopover, and I am pleased to confirm that this will begin on December 15,” President Ruto stated.
Current SGR Operations
Kenya Railways operates three daily trips on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger service:
1. **Morning Trip from Nairobi**: Departs at 8:00 AM, stopping at Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito-Andei, Voi (12:02 PM), Miasenyi, and Mariakani, arriving at Miritini Station in Mombasa at 2:00 PM.
2. **Morning Trip from Mombasa**: Departs at 8:00 AM, stopping at Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi (11:34 AM), Mtito-Andei, Kibwezi, Emali, and Athi River, arriving in Nairobi at 2:10 PM.
3. **Express Afternoon Trips**:
– From Nairobi: Departs at 3:00 PM, with a single stop at Voi (6:48 PM), arriving in Mombasa at 10:08 PM.
– From Mombasa: Departs at 3:00 PM, with a single stop at Voi (4:38 PM), arriving in Nairobi at 8:18 PM.
Impact of the New Stopovers
The addition of the night stopovers will cause minor schedule adjustments for the night trains. The Nairobi-bound train will now arrive at 3:38 AM instead of 3:35 AM, while the Mombasa-bound train will reach its destination at 3:38 AM instead of the previous 3:35 AM.
This new development underscores Kenya Railways’ commitment to meeting passenger needs while aligning with national directives to boost regional connectivity and development.
