Kenya Railways Unveils Luxury SGR First-Class Coaches With Wi-Fi, Reclining Beds and Onboard Showers
Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) is set to transform long-distance rail travel after unveiling a new fleet of luxury first-class coaches expected to enter service by July 2026.
The highly anticipated coaches, showcased by Kenya Railways officials on June 19, promise to offer passengers an experience comparable to business-class air travel, complete with onboard Wi-Fi, premium dining services, fully reclining seats, entertainment screens and even shower facilities.
The introduction marks one of the most significant upgrades to Kenya’s passenger rail services since the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), as the corporation seeks to attract more travellers with enhanced comfort and convenience.
During the unveiling, Kenya Railways officials highlighted the premium features that passengers can expect once the coaches become operational.
“This is what you expect in the next month. There’s Wi-Fi. We will serve you a first-class dinner. Anything that you would like to be served here, you will be surrounded by it,” Kenya Railways stated while presenting the new coaches.
Images and videos released during the presentation show spacious interiors fitted with modern seats capable of reclining almost fully flat, allowing passengers to rest comfortably throughout their journey. Travellers will also be provided with blankets for overnight trips, further enhancing the sleeping experience.
The coaches feature significantly more legroom than standard railway seating, with each passenger enjoying an individual headrest and a personal entertainment screen mounted on the seat in front. The onboard entertainment system is expected to offer passengers access to a variety of content during their journey.
In a first for Kenya’s passenger rail network, travellers will also have access to onboard shower facilities, enabling them to freshen up before arriving at their destination.
The new coaches have been designed to mirror the comfort levels of the SGR Premium Class service while introducing additional luxury features aimed at creating an ultra-premium travel experience.
The development comes only days after Kenya Railways began rolling out upgraded economy-class coaches as part of a broader strategy to modernise passenger services and improve customer satisfaction.
The investment in passenger comfort coincides with ongoing construction of the 264-kilometre SGR extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border.
The ambitious project, which broke ground in March 2026, forms part of President William Ruto’s regional infrastructure agenda and is expected to strengthen trade links between Kenya and neighbouring Uganda once completed.
Currently, first-class passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa pay KSh4,500 for a ticket. However, industry observers believe the introduction of luxury coaches equipped with premium amenities could lead to higher ticket prices as Kenya Railways seeks to recover the cost of the enhanced services.
If implemented successfully, the new coaches could redefine rail travel in East Africa, positioning the SGR as a competitive alternative to domestic air travel for business and leisure passengers alike.
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