A once booming ride slows down, SGR passenger numbers dip for the first time since the pandemic

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people are using Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This drop in numbers shows that travel habits are changing, and many people are affected by the rising cost of living. High fuel prices, inflation and easier road transport options have made some travellers choose other ways to move.

However, the SGR has stayed steady by using smart planning and traceability systems.

With digital ticketing and real-time tracking, SGR can see travel patterns as they happen. This helps them adjust train times and manage their services better. Also, QR-coded tickets and online booking systems make it harder for fraud to happen, speed up boarding and make travel smoother for passengers.

By studying ticket sales, demand changes and who is traveling, SGR can update prices, improve marketing and plan trips at the right times. This helps the railway stay on track even when fewer people are traveling.

Even though the number of passengers has gone down, SGR can still do well by using traceability tools and smart decisions. With good data and careful planning, the railway can adjust to changes and work on winning back more travellers.