Kenya Railways has cautioned passengers against fraudulent Madaraka Express ticket booking platforms as Kenyans prepare for increased travel during the festive season.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the corporation urged travellers to remain alert and use only its authorised channels when purchasing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) tickets.
The warning, headlined, lists three official booking options and cautions passengers against using unauthorised platforms.
Passengers can book tickets online through the official Kenya Railways website at https://metickets.krc.co.ke, dial *639# on their mobile phones or visit any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
“Visit any of our Madaraka Express Passenger Service stations For more information, please contact: Phone: 0709 907 000, 0709 907 555,”Kenya Railway post read in part.
The corporation urged travellers to verify booking platforms before making payments to avoid falling victim to fraudulent ticket sellers.
According to the advisory, passengers seeking to travel on the Madaraka Express should make reservations exclusively through the three recognised channels.
Those booking online should use the official ticketing portal, while passengers without internet access can use the USSD service by dialling *639#.
Travellers can also purchase tickets physically at any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
Kenya Railways provided additional contacts for passengers seeking clarification or assistance with their bookings.
The corporation listed 0709 907 000 and 0709 907 555 as its official telephone contacts. Passengers can also reach it through info@krc.co.ke or visit www.krc.co.ke.
Its official social media accounts operate under the name Kenya Railways on X and Facebook.
The warning comes ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, when many Kenyans travel to different parts of the country to spend time with family and friends.
The Nairobi-Mombasa route is among the key travel corridors served by the Madaraka Express, which offers passenger services between the two cities.
With demand for holiday travel expected to increase, the advisory reminds passengers to confirm that they are using legitimate booking channels before completing transactions.
The corporation’s notice provides a direct way for travellers to distinguish its authorised ticketing services from other platforms claiming to offer Madaraka Express reservations.
Passengers seeking assistance with bookings can contact Kenya Railways through its published telephone numbers or email address.
On October 31, 2026, the corporation completed its first vehicle transportation service, moving 24 vehicles from Mombasa to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot.
The corporation plans to increase the service to approximately 700 vehicles monthly, targeting car dealers, importers and individual motorists.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said the service would provide another revenue stream while helping reduce pressure on roads.
The development adds vehicle transportation to the range of services offered through the SGR infrastructure.
Meanwhile, passengers planning to use the Madaraka Express have been advised to make bookings through the official portal, USSD code or passenger service stations to avoid ticketing fraud.
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