By Erestinah Jane, June 30, 2026
The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has reminded passengers that all Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Madaraka Express tickets are strictly non-transferable, urging travelers to ensure that the personal details used during booking match the identification documents they present before boarding.
In a public notice issued on Today, the corporation said the clarification was intended to address growing confusion among passengers and curb fraudulent ticket resale and unauthorized transfers.
According to Kenya Railways, every Madaraka Express ticket is issued in the name of a specific passenger and is linked to the identification number provided during the booking process. As a result, the ticket can only be used by the individual whose details appear on the reservation.
The corporation emphasized that passengers will be required to undergo identity verification before boarding, and the name printed on the ticket must exactly match the details on the original identification document presented at the station.
Travelers who fail to produce matching identification may be denied entry to the train even if they possess a valid ticket.
Kenya Railways said passengers may use any of the following original identification documents during verification:
- National Identity Card.
- Valid passport.
- Military identification card.
- Diplomatic identification card.
- Alien identification card.
- Valid driving licence.
- Valid police abstract for lost identification documents.
- Birth certificate for children below the age of 12 years.
The corporation also reminded passengers that changes to travel plans are allowed only under specific conditions and must be processed physically at a Madaraka Express station.
Passengers wishing to cancel or reschedule their journeys must visit a station ticket office at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. Kenya Railways noted that such requests cannot be processed through telephone calls, online platforms or third-party agents.
For ticket cancellations, passengers must present the original identification document used during booking together with a photocopy. Approved cancellations attract a 30 per cent service charge, with the remaining balance refunded to the passenger.
Those seeking to reschedule their trips may do so subject to seat availability on the preferred travel date. A service fee equivalent to 10 per cent of the ticket value will be charged for approved changes.
Passengers who lose their tickets can also obtain replacements by visiting a station, where officials will verify the original booking details before issuing another ticket. A 30 per cent verification and reprinting fee applies.
Kenya Railways further warned passengers against boarding trains other than the specific service indicated on their tickets. Anyone found attempting to travel on a different train without authorization will be required to purchase a new ticket and pay an additional 30 per cent penalty.
The corporation said refunds arising from approved cancellations will be processed and credited to passengers within 14 working days, depending on the payment method used during booking.
Kenya Railways urged passengers to carefully confirm all personal details before completing their bookings and to arrive at stations early to allow sufficient time for security screening and identity verification before departure.
