Kenya Railways has resumed operations of the Madaraka Express passenger train service between Mombasa and Nairobi after a sudden cancellation on Sunday night left hundreds of passengers stranded.
In a statement released early Monday, the railway operator confirmed that the train would depart from Mombasa Terminus at 8:00 a.m. on July 7, 2025. The cancellation, Kenya Railways clarified, was caused by a technical hitch, prompting the suspension of the Sunday midnight service scheduled to leave Mombasa at 10:00 p.m.
“We have worked on a mechanism to transport all affected passengers, including those who missed the earlier train,” the statement read. “The affected passengers are therefore advised to report to the Mombasa Terminus on July 7, 2025, by 8:00 a.m. for travel. Tickets dated July 6, 2025, will be deemed valid for boarding and travel.”
The abrupt disruption sparked frustration among passengers, many of whom were left stranded without prior notice. The move also followed tense moments earlier on Sunday when police intercepted hundreds of Nairobi-bound youths at the Dongo Kundu Bypass near Likoni. The group had attended the annual Summer Tides Festival in Diani, and police reportedly claimed they were heading to join Saba Saba protests in Nairobi. The blockade drew widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and activists.
While Kenya Railways did not link the service suspension to the police actions or political demonstrations, the timing of the cancellation raised eyebrows among the public, with some suggesting a possible connection. Nonetheless, the operator maintained that the disruption was solely due to technical issues and expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.
“We sincerely apologize to our esteemed customers for the disruption and assure them of our commitment to reliable service,” Kenya Railways said.
The Madaraka Express has become a vital transportation link between Mombasa and Nairobi, especially for holidaymakers and festival attendees. Monday’s resumption, along with the assurance of valid tickets for previously affected passengers, aims to restore confidence among travelers following the unexpected hiccup.
