One of the websites that the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) flagged as fake/SCREENGRABThe Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has raised the alarm over a surge in fraudulent online booking websites and social media pages purporting to sell Madaraka Express tickets.
The corporation cautioned that these platforms are being managed by scammers targeting unsuspecting passengers seeking to book Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) tickets online.
In a statement posted on its official X account, Kenya Railways urged the public to avoid third-party websites and to only use official booking channels.
“Whenever you want to speak to us, please reach us through our official contacts,” the corporation said, warning that any other site or number claiming to sell tickets on its behalf is fraudulent.
The corporation noted that the scammers often provide phone numbers to initiate contact and collect payments before disappearing without issuing valid tickets.
Kenya Railways has relayed that tickets for the Nairobi-Mombasa train can only be accessed through three distinct channels.
To safeguard passengers, KRC reiterated that SGR tickets can only be purchased through its official portal — metickets.krc.co.ke — or via the USSD code *639#. Tickets may also be bought physically at any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station.
KRC further urged Kenyans to confirm all contact information only through its verified social media pages and official website, warning that deals promising discounted or last-minute tickets are likely scams.
In each of the flagged groups, a phone number had been provided to facilitate the 'ticket sales', a tactic that is being used to facilitate first contact.
In each of the flagged groups, a phone number had been provided to facilitate the 'ticket sales', a tactic that is being used to facilitate first contact.
The Madaraka Express operates along the SGR line between Mombasa and Nairobi, offering two main services — the Intercounty train, which stops at multiple stations, and the Express train, which runs non-stop between the two cities.
It makes stops at several other stations along the way, including Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei, Voi, Miasenyi, and Mariakani.
The inaugural passenger service was launched by retired-President Uhuru Kenyatta, marking the official opening of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line between Mombasa and Nairobi.
The name “Madaraka Express” was chosen to coincide with Madaraka Day, celebrated on June 1, symbolising Kenya’s independence and self-governance.
The warning by KRC comes just two months after the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported a slight decline in SGR passenger numbers. Data shows that passenger traffic dropped from 531,673 in the first quarter of 2024 to 529,591 in the same period of 2025, signaling a dip of 2,082 travelers.
Kenya Railways is urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious websites or contacts as it works with law enforcement agencies to curb online ticketing fraud.
