Kenya Railways has issued a public notice addressing the surge in demand for passenger services, particularly from students traveling back to school.
The notice, released by the Managing Director on May 13, 2024, acknowledges the overwhelming demand for travel between Sunday, May 12th and Monday, May 13th.
“We wish to inform members of the public that following the announcement by the Government on the reopening of primary and secondary schools, the Corporation has received an overwhelming demand for passenger services between Sunday May 12th and Monday May 13th, 2024, including students wishing to travel back to school in time for reopening,” stated Kenya Railways.
This explanation came after a section of Kenyans online claimed some students were made to give up their seats and sit on the floor.
Photos shared online depict some students standing near the train washrooms while others are seated on the floor.
Kenya Railways noted that they had already taken steps to accommodate students who had previously booked tickets before the change in school opening dates by introducing additional coaches in both economy and first class.
Kenya Railways Public Notice on Increased Student Demand
As such, the railway company acknowledged the increase in demand for travel tickets noting that it had surpassed their expectations.
“The Corporation further wishes to advise the public that we had already introduced additional coaches in both economy and first class to accommodate the students who had booked earlier before the postponement of the school opening dates,”
“However, the demand over the last two days has been overwhelming,” read Kenya Railways statement.
Despite the challenges posed by the sudden increase in passenger numbers, Kenya Railways reassured the public that they are working tirelessly to ensure that no passengers, especially students, are left behind.
Also Read: Kenya Railways, Ena Coach Gives Way Foward on Travel Tickets to Students
“The Corporation is committed to ensuring the safe transportation of all students to their respective destinations” read the Kenya Railways statement.
Students Tickets Validity
Additionally, Kenya Railways had previously announced that student tickets purchased for travel between Monday, April 29th and Friday, May 3rd, 2024, would remain valid after the postponed school reopening date.
These tickets were open for use from May 6th to 10th and applied to students and their accompanying guardians.
This decision was made in response to the postponement of the school reopening, initially scheduled for April 29th, due to the adverse effects of floods across the country.
Also Read: Kenya Railways Suspends Commuter Train Services
The Ministry of Education, through Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, cited the risks posed by the floods to learners, teachers, and staff, as well as the use of schools as shelters for displaced persons.
In light of these circumstances, the Ministry of Education postponed the reopening of all primary and secondary schools by one week, rescheduling it to Monday, May 6, 2024.
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