Madaraka Express Adds Extra Festive Season Train

Madaraka Express Adds Extra Festive Season Train

Kenya Railways has introduced an additional Madaraka Express service for the busy holiday period, offering travellers more seating, more flexibility, and an easier journey along one of the country’s most beautiful rail routes. The extra train will operate from 8 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 and is expected to ease the heavy seasonal demand on the Nairobi to Mombasa line. Alongside the new schedule, the railway operator has confirmed updated fares for the popular service. These fares give passengers a clearer understanding of what each class offers and what to expect when planning their trip to the Coast. Updated Fares for the Nairobi to Mombasa Route Premium Class One way costs KSh 12,000Round trip costs KSh 20,000 This class offers the most space and a quieter environment and is ideal for travellers who want a relaxed long distance journey. First Class Outbound costs KSh 4,500Return costs KSh 4,500Round trip costs KSh 9,000 This is the preferred option for many holidaymakers who want comfort and value in equal measure. Economy Class Outbound costs KSh 1,500Return costs KSh 1,500Round trip costs KSh 3,000 This is the most affordable option and remains the most widely used by travellers heading to and from the Coast. Extra Festive Season Train Schedule Nairobi to MombasaDeparture from Nairobi is at 9.40 amArrival in Mombasa is at 3.35 pm Mombasa to NairobiDeparture from Mombasa is at 4.30 pmArrival in Nairobi is at 10.55 pm The additional train is expected to reduce congestion and make travel during the December peak more pleasant for families, groups, and visitors heading to the coast for the holidays. A Smooth Arrival into Mombasa Travellers arriving at the Miritini SGR Terminus can continue directly into Mombasa using the commuter rail service. It connects Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and the Mombasa Central Business District. The journey is 13.8 kilometres and costs only KSh 50 per trip, which makes it an efficient way to reach the city centre, nearby beaches, and coastal hotels. How to Book Your Seat Kenya Railways encourages passengers to book early since festive season demand is consistently high. Tickets can be reserved through the metickets website, by dialling *639#, or at any SGR station across the country.

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kenya Wildlife Service Raises Park Entry Fees 2024

kenya Wildlife Service Raises Park Entry Fees 2024

Tourists Grapple with Increased Park Entry Fees Starting January 2024, explorers of Kenya’s national parks will encounter a significant surge in entrance fees, courtesy of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The most notable increase affects Nairobi National Park, a favourite among locals and international tourists alike. However, the decision to triple entry fees has raised concerns among tourism industry representatives who fear potential business losses. Mohammed Hersi, Chairman of the Diani Hospitality Owners Association, expressed apprehension that the heightened park fees and the added complexity of on-site payments might discourage tour operators from promoting packages that include visits to national and marine parks. Hersi highlighted the risk of diverting tourists to neighboring competitors like Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Africa, where similar packages are available at more affordable rates. KWS defends the fee hike, citing a comprehensive analysis of feedback gathered during forums conducted between January 30 and February 23, 2023. The revised charges encompass camping, conference facilities, and vehicle entry across KWS’s extensive portfolio, which includes 25 terrestrial national parks, 29 terrestrial national reserves, four marine national parks, six marine national reserves, six national wildlife sanctuaries, and three captive wildlife management facilities. During the high season from July to March, East African Community (EAC) and resident adults will face a substantial fee increase, now set at Sh2,000 compared to the previous Sh430 for Nairobi National Park. International visitors during this period will incur charges of $50 (Sh7,167) for visitors from Africa and $100 (Sh14,335) for those from other international destinations. Even in the low season from April to June, fees for EAC and resident adults will remain at Sh2,000 for Nairobi National Park. However, international visitors will experience a noticeable increase, paying $20 (Sh2,867) for visitors from Africa and $100 (Sh14,335) for those from other international destinations. At premium facilities such as Amboseli and Lake Nakuru National Park, fees for EAC and resident adults will be Sh1,000 during the high season, with visitors from Africa and international destinations paying $50 (Sh7,167) and $100 (Sh14,335) respectively. During the low season, EAC and resident adults will be charged Sh800, while visitors from Africa and the rest of the world will pay $35 (Sh5,017) and $80 (Sh11,468) respectively. Comparatively, KWS previously charged Kenyan adults Sh430 and children Sh215 for park visits. Non-Kenyan adults paid $43 (Sh6,164), and children/students paid $22 (Sh3,153). In addition to the park fee adjustments, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) fare adjustment extends to all passengers using using other railway services.

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SGR Ticket Prices 2024

SGR Ticket Prices to Hike by 50%

Kenya Railways Announces 50% Fare Increase on SGR Ticket Prices in 2024: What You Need to Know Kenya Railways has recently disclosed a significant fare adjustment set to take effect from January 1, 2024, impacting passengers traveling on key routes, including the Nairobi to Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Nairobi commuter rail service, and the Kisumu and Nanyuki safari trains. Reasons for Fare Adjustment: The fare increase is a response to recent changes in the energy and petroleum sector, particularly the surge in fuel prices that has substantially affected the operational costs of Kenya Railways. As a necessary measure to offset these rising costs, passengers can expect adjustments in the fare structure starting from the specified date. Impact on SGR Routes: Starting January 1, 2024, passengers traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa via the SGR will experience a fare increase. Economy class fares will adjust from the current Ksh1,000 to Ksh1,500, while first-class fares will rise from Ksh3,000 to Ksh4,500. Advance Booking Changes: Passengers making advance bookings for the Madaraka Express passenger service will need to adhere to the new fare structure from Wednesday. Revised SGR Ticket Price for Various Routes: Nairobi-Suswa Route Adjusted Fares: Note: Children aged between three and 11, traveling with adults, will be charged half of the standard fare, while passengers above the age of 11 will pay the full fare.

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Discover Airlines To Increase Flights To Mombasa From Frankfurt

Discover Airlines To Increase Flights To Mombasa From Frankfurt

Discover Airlines Expands Services for Travelers to Kenya and Tanzania Discover Airlines, affiliated with Lufthansa, brings exciting news for those planning to visit Kenya’s coastal region in the coming year. They are increasing flight frequencies between Frankfurt, Germany, and Mombasa, Kenya, from 5 to 6 weekly flights in the summer of 2024, enhancing travel options for visitors. Effective March 31, 2024, this move represents a significant milestone for air travel in the region. Additionally, Discover Airlines is introducing a direct connection between Frankfurt and Zanzibar, Tanzania, further enriching the travel experience. The current 2 weekly flights between Frankfurt and Zanzibar will see an increase to 3, introducing an innovative triangular routing that allows nonstop flights to and from Zanzibar, seamlessly combined with the Mombasa route. With these enhanced connectivity and frequency adjustments, Discover Airlines aims to provide travellers with a more convenient and enriched flying experience when exploring the vibrant coastal destinations of Kenya and Tanzania.

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Free Entry To All National Parks

Free Entry To All National Parks, Museums For Kenyans on 12th/12/2023

To mark Kenya’s 60th independence anniversary, the government has announced a special opportunity for all Kenyans. On December 12, free entry to national parks and museums will be granted to citizens. Dr. Alfred Mutua, the Cabinet Secretary of Tourism and Wildlife, revealed this exciting news last Friday at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters. Dr. Mutua encourages fellow Kenyans to embrace this chance to discover the breathtaking beauty of their homeland. The free entrance encompasses marine parks, safari walks, and animal orphanages, catering to Kenyan citizens able to provide proof of identification. Children accompanying parents or guardians with identification are also included in this special offer. Running from 6 am to 6 pm, the free entry period allows citizens ample time to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Kenya. Dr. Mutua underscores the importance of compliance during visits, urging everyone to carry national IDs and passports for a smooth entrance process, ensuring security and accountability. For those considering a visit, here are some national parks in the coastal regions that you and your family can explore: Marine Parks: National Parks: Museums:

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2024 KCB Secondary School Scholarships

2024 KCB Secondary School Scholarships Now Open

The KCB Foundation has initiated the application process for secondary school scholarships for eligible 2023 KCPE candidates. This program aims to sponsor academically promising yet financially disadvantaged children to pursue their secondary education. Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for the KCB Foundation secondary school scholarships, candidates must meet the following criteria: Application Process: Applicants are encouraged to visit the nearest KCB branch and fill in the application form. Subsequently, KCB will conduct interviews on learners in the county where they sat their KCPE examination. 2024 KCB Secondary School Scholarships Interview Dates and Venues: Interview Dates County Venue Saturday, 16 December 2023 Mombasa County Star Of The Sea Primary School Saturday, 16 December 2023 Lamu Lamu Fort Saturday, 16 December 2023 Kwale Kwale Primary School Saturday, 16 December 2023 Tana River Laza Primary School Saturday, 16 December 2023 Kilifi Kilifi Primary School Saturday, 16 December 2023 Taita Taveta Mwatate Cdf Hall County-Specific Cut-off Marks: KCPE 390 Marks KCPE 370 CUT-OFF MARK Mombasa Tana River Kilifi Kwale Lamu Taita Taveta Moreover, the KCB Foundation has allocated KShs. 700 million as it commissions the 2023 Scholarship Class. This scholarship program provides an opportunity for financially disadvantaged students to access quality education and build a brighter future. Interested candidates are urged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the scholarship at their nearest KCB branch.

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13th November Declared National Tree Planting Day.

13th November Declared National Tree Planting Day

13th November Declared National Tree Planting Day The Kenyan government has declared a special public holiday on the 13th of November, 2023, dedicated to a nationwide tree planting initiative. This ambitious endeavour is a part of the government’s grand plan to plant a staggering 15 billion trees by the year 2032. The announcement came directly from the Interior Minister, Kithure Kindiki, who took to social media to share the news. He stated, “The government has declared a special holiday on Monday, the 13th of November, 2023. On this day, citizens all across the country are encouraged to participate in tree planting as a patriotic contribution to our national mission of safeguarding Kenya from the severe impacts of climate change.” Kenya’s current forest cover stands at approximately 7%, a figure the government is determined to improve. To facilitate this, over $80 million (£65 million) has been allocated in the current financial year to support the effort, with the aim of raising the forest cover to over 10%. It is well-known that trees play a crucial role in combatting climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide, a primary contributor to global warming. In contrast, deforestation exacerbates climate change by disrupting the process of photosynthesis, preventing trees from absorbing carbon. Additionally, the practice of burning during deforestation releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The dire consequences of the climate crisis are already evident in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, where persistent droughts have plagued the region for five consecutive seasons. To ensure the success of this monumental tree planting initiative, the Kenyan Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has pledged to provide tree seedlings. This endeavour is being hailed as “an unprecedented display of the government’s commitment to fulfilling our climate action responsibilities.” The collective effort to plant trees on this special holiday serves as a critical step towards a greener and more climate-resilient Kenya.

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Airbnb Hosts

Mombasa Airbnb Hosts Face New Revenue Obligations

Mombasa Airbnb Hosts Face New Revenue Obligations Home-stay operators, commonly referred to as Airbnb hosts, in Mombasa are now facing the prospect of taxation, as the County government makes a move to integrate them into its revenue framework. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has expressed his belief that Airbnb proprietors should contribute to local taxes in a manner similar to traditional hotel establishments. Nassir stated, “Equity in business operations is essential. With guesthouses and lodges already paying licensing fees, it is only fair for Airbnb operators to also contribute levies to the Mombasa County government.” He conveyed this message during a meeting with stakeholders in the hospitality sector. These remarks follow closely on the heels of initiatives by the Tourism Fund to enlist home-stay businesses into its registry, as it was discovered that approximately 40,000 Airbnb hosts operate in Kenya, whereas only 400 have been officially registered. The national government, acting through the Tourism Fund, intends to impose a two-percent levy on Airbnb operators. David Mwangi, the CEO of the Fund, revealed that discussions have been ongoing with Airbnb Africa’s office to ensure that all hosts on the platform are both informed and registered. Mr. Mwangi emphasized, “We urge all hosts to acknowledge that they provide accommodation services and are, consequently, legally obliged to register and remit the two percent levy.” He made this statement during a meeting with officials from the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) counties. For a substantial period, hoteliers have voiced their grievances regarding the high taxation burden they bear, while Airbnb businesses have operated relatively tax-free due to a lack of regulatory oversight. Hospitality industry investors argue that the nation has been losing significant revenue as more Kenyan citizens opt for opulent Airbnb accommodations over conventional hotels. Notably, regions such as Diani, Mombasa, and Kilifi feature luxurious beachfront Airbnb offerings with daily rates that can reach up to Sh100,000, depending on the available amenities.

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Flydubai launches new Mombasa route

Flydubai launches new Mombasa route

Flydubai launches new Mombasa route Low-cost carrier Flydubai has announced that it plans to commence services between Dubai and Mombasa, Kenya, starting on January 17, 2024. The airline revealed that the service will operate four times a week, with flights scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Furthermore, it was disclosed that Emirates would also have a codeshare arrangement on this route, enabling passengers to have access to additional travel options departing from Dubai, thus improving connectivity to various global destinations. The new route will take travelers from Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 3 to Moi International Airport (MBA) in Mombasa. This notable addition extends Flydubai’s African network, with Mombasa becoming the 11th destination on their African route map. The network already covers 10 countries, encompassing significant cities such as Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, among others. Flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, expressed confidence in the potential of the African market and anticipated robust demand for this route. He emphasized that Dubai has become increasingly attractive as an investment hub for African companies, citing the registration of more than 26,000 African companies with Dubai Chamber since Expo 2020. Al Ghaith remarked, “Our direct flights to Mombasa, set to begin in January, coupled with our expanding presence in Africa, would further strengthen trade and tourism ties between the United Arab Emirates and the East African markets.”

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Kenya grants citizenship to stateless Pemba community

Kenya grants citizenship to stateless Pemba community

In a significant and historic move, Kenya has granted citizenship to the long-stateless Pemba community, finally putting an end to their decades-long struggle for recognition. The momentous ceremony took place in Kilifi, where President William Ruto personally bestowed ID cards, birth certificates, and passports upon more than 7,000 members of the Pemba community. With their newfound citizenship, the Pemba people now have access to crucial public services, including the right to attend schools, access healthcare services, and enjoy social security benefits. Moreover, they are now entitled to seek employment and contribute to society, which had been denied to them for far too long. The history of the Pemba community in Kenya dates back around a century, when they first settled in the country. However, their presence was not officially recognized during Kenya’s independence in 1963, leaving them in a state of statelessness, devoid of legal rights and protection. Origins tracing back to the island of Pemba in the Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the community now resides primarily along Kenya’s coastline. Throughout the years, they have faced numerous challenges due to their unacknowledged status, making this long-overdue recognition a cause for celebration and hope. In recent times, Kenya has shown progress in addressing the issue of statelessness by extending citizenship to thousands of individuals from previously unrecognized groups like the Makonde and Shona.

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