Kenya Railways has raised concerns about a growing wave of online fraudsters posing as official Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) booking agents, warning the public to be vigilant when seeking train services on social media platforms.
In a public notice on May 25, the corporation cautioned that several online pages, particularly on TikTok, are operated by scammers who target unsuspecting members of the public with fake booking services.
Kenya Railways made it clear that it does not operate any official TikTok account, and any profile claiming to represent Kenya Railways on such platforms is fraudulent.
“Please note that these pages are managed by fraudsters who are out to con unsuspecting members of the public. Kenya Railways does not have an official TikTok account, and any accounts claiming to represent us on that platform are fake,” Kenya Railways stated.
Kenya Railways Warns of Online Fraudsters
The warning comes amid a rise in reports of Kenyans losing money to fake booking services that promise convenient access to SGR tickets.
These pages often mimic official communication channels, using similar names, train imagery, and branding elements to mislead users.
Among the examples highlighted are accounts operating under the names “SGR Online Booking Services” and “Standard Gauge Railway Helpline.”
These pages display contact numbers and invite users to make bookings by phone or via direct message.
One of the pages provides a booking number and claims to offer 24-hour services for the Madaraka Express, while another urges users to call for ticket reservations.
However, Kenya Railways has dismissed these operations as scams, noting that they have no affiliation with the corporation.
The fake accounts are designed to appear legitimate, often featuring images of SGR trains and stations, along with follower counts and engagement metrics to build trust.
In some cases, the pages claim to guarantee ticket availability, a tactic aimed at attracting desperate travelers, especially during peak seasons.
Kenya Railways warned that once victims make payments through these informal channels, they either receive fake tickets or no service at all, resulting in financial losses.
The agency has urged members of the public to use only verified communication channels when seeking information or booking tickets.
Kenya Railways listed its official telephone numbers as 0709 907 000 and 0709 907 555.
It also advised customers to communicate through its official email addresses, including [email protected] and [email protected], for legitimate inquiries and services.
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The agency further stated that all authentic SGR bookings should be made through recognized platforms and not through third-party social media accounts or unknown intermediaries.
Online Fraud in Kenya
Online fraud in Kenya has grown rapidly, driven by increased use of mobile money, social media and digital banking platforms.
Financial institutions remain the most targeted, with major lenders such as Equity Bank, KCB Group and Co-operative Bank frequently affected by cyberattacks, phishing and insider-linked fraud schemes.
Fraud cases in the banking sector more than doubled from 153 in 2023 to 353 in 2024, with losses rising to about Ksh1.5 billion.
According to the CBK Financial Sector Stability Report 2025, criminals often exploit stolen customer data or impersonate bank officials to gain access to accounts and funds.
Cyber heists have also been reported, including a case where a commercial bank lost about Ksh517 million after hackers manipulated its security systems.
Beyond banking, fraudsters increasingly target digital platforms. Online investment scams, fake loan apps, and impersonation accounts on social media are common.
In 2026, investigators linked Kenyan-based fraud networks to schemes that caused more than Ksh5.8 billion in global losses.
