Kenya Railways’ Madaraka Express Service.
THE CLASS
My First Class ticket affords me lounge access – essentially a partitioned waiting room – and priority boarding. The alternative is Economy Class,where spacious seats are grouped in fours around a central table.
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS
About nine kilograms a passenger. Plans are afoot to electrify the line.
BOARDING
Allow plenty of time to navigate Nairobi’s traffic before passing through airport-level security screening,including the examination of bags by sniffer dogs and X-rays. The procedures are a reassuring response to the risk of terrorist attacks. Batteries and lighters aren’t allowed on board and will be confiscated before boarding. As a foreign traveller I’m asked to produce my passport before entering the gleaming,train-shaped terminus. Cafés do a brisk trade in the departure lounge,with waiters rushing orders to patrons as boarding is announced. Food can be taken on board. Carriage and seat numbers are clearly marked on the ticket,and there’s plenty of luggage storage above the seats.
THE SEAT
The seating - Nairobi to Voi.
Seats are arranged in a roomy 2-2 configuration. Strangely,consecutive seat numbers aren’t located next to one another;local travellers are happy to swap seats with those separated from their companions. There are no USB ports,but devices can be charged via the socket beside each window seat (be sure to bring an adaptor). Toilets are at either end of the carriage.
BAGGAGE
There are no baggage restrictions,but passengers are advised to bring what they can comfortably carry and lift into the overhead storage rack.