The Kenyan government is set to spend Ksh300 million to develop a new digital ticketing system for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), according to the latest development expenditure estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
The proposed system is aimed at modernizing the passenger experience and improving efficiency along the country’s flagship rail project, which links Nairobi to Mombasa and other key towns.
The investment is part of broader efforts to integrate technology into Kenya’s transport infrastructure.
Govt Abandons Thika-Nanyuki Railway Line
While the government moves forward with the SGR’s digital transformation, it has pulled back on other rail projects.
Notably, the Thika-Nanyuki railway line, which had previously received funding, has been excluded from the current and upcoming budget allocations.
The absence of funds beyond the 2024/25 fiscal year signals the government’s decision to abandon the rehabilitation of the once-promising central Kenya line.
The shift in priorities reflects a continued focus on high-impact, high-traffic corridors to the long-term vision for regional connectivity and the role of smaller rail routes in economic development.
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SGR Ticket Disruption System
During President William Ruto’s State Visit to China, Kenya secured a major deal in trade, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.
According to a statement sent by State House on April 24, 2025, the Chinese government agreed to work with Kenya on implementing strategic connectivity development projects.
These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba (PhaseII).
In addition, China committed to facilitating the expansion and dualing of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road.
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“These include investments in the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha (PhaseII) and from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase III), as well as the expansion and dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit-Malaba highway, the Kiambu-Northern Bypass, the Eldoret Bypass, and the construction of Nithi Bridge,” part of the statement read.
Booking Hitches
In the past, SGR has faced booking hitches which resulted to a technical issue making customers unable to book tickets online.
For instance, on January 24, 2025, the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) issued a public notice informing passengers of a temporary disruption affecting the Madaraka Express booking platforms which resulted to a technical issue making customers unable to book tickets online.
This even caused customers to purchase tickets over the counter at the nearest Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
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