Kenyans Stranded After Summer Tides as Kenya Railways Cancels Late Night Train

In an unexpected turn of events, Kenya Railways has temporarily suspended the 10PM Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing technical issues.

The abrupt cancellation has left hundreds of travelers stranded, especially in Mombasa, with many forced to wait outside the SGR offices without clear alternative arrangements.

In an official statement, Kenya Railways said:

“We regret to notify members of the public that due to technical issues, the Madaraka Express 10PM passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi has been suspended. Kenya Railways prioritizes the safety of our passengers. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

The suspension, which took effect on Saturday night, caught many travelers by surprise. Several passengers, including tourists and locals, had already booked tickets and were preparing to board the train when they were informed of the suspension.

The situation was particularly dire for a group of youth returning to Nairobi after attending the 2025 Summer Tides Festival in Diani. Many were left stranded outside the SGR offices, unable to find immediate alternatives for travel.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that some travelers were blocked from accessing the SGR station even before the official announcement was made, prompting further frustration among the public.

“We had just left Diani after a great weekend, only to be told last-minute that the train was canceled. There was no explanation and no backup plan,” said one disappointed traveler.

This suspension marks a rare disruption in the otherwise reliable Madaraka Express service, which has been a key mode of transport between Mombasa and Nairobi since its launch. Kenya Railways has not provided a timeline for when the 10PM train service will resume but assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the technical problems.

Travelers are advised to check Kenya Railways’ official platforms for updates and to explore alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

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