Kenya receives 20 new passenger coaches from China to boost transport capacity

Kenyan officials are seen inside one of the new passenger coaches from China on July 22, 2024.

MOMBASA, Kenya, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Monday received 20 new passenger coaches from China to increase transport capacity and improve passenger experience.

They include 10 revamped economy-class coaches, four premium-class coaches, one dining car, one power car, and four first-class coaches.

"This development is a significant milestone for the ministry as we continue to improve operational efficiency and service delivery in the transport sector," Mohamed Daghar, principal secretary in the Ministry of Roads and Transport, said during the flagging off of the coaches in the coastal city of Mombasa.

He noted that with these developments in passenger services, Kenya is on course to transport 8.8 million passengers annually, comprising 6 million commuters and 2.8 million long-distance passengers.

"The business and commerce sector is constantly growing, driven by the need for mobility. The government is committed to ensuring that this growth is matched with adequate transport and logistics infrastructure. This will secure Kenya's growth locally and enhance our competitive advantage globally," Daghar said.

The new economy-class coaches have several features designed to enhance passenger comfort and inclusivity, including charging points at each seat, baby-changing areas for freshening up babies during the journey, and fold-out tray tables.

The first-class coaches feature reclining seats arranged two by two across the width of the coach, while the premium-class coaches feature optimized seating arrangements with each coach limited to 28 passengers, ensuring ample legroom and personal space and enhanced luggage solutions for travelers with extra baggage.

New passenger coaches from China arrive at Kenya's port city of Mombasa on July 22, 2024.