22/04/2022
Getting to the Syokimau SGR station from the Nairobi Railway terminus by Public Transport in the morning
Let's travel from Nairobi City centre in the morning and go towards the Coast by the morning SGR. This post is about the stuff to expect on that trip to the Syokimau SGR station and some tips on what to expect there.
1. Carry a mask. You'll need it at the security check point at SGR. The SGR guys didn't get the memo on the end of the mask mandate in Kenya. But seeing what's been happening in China, the management probably think the SGR security check is in China. Onboard the train you will are back in Kenya where masks are optional. That's where you realize that kids hate masks with a passion.
Luckily for the guys who love buying masks, there is a chap who sells them at the security checkpoint. But why be like those guys who buy overpriced meals in these stations/airport unnecessarily...save that cash for a tuktuk huko mbele.
In fact, for all we know, and this being Kenya, the mask seller could be an employee of a top SGR honcho or a mask selling cartel who are making some extra cash illegally, considering that even the staff including the cops aren't also too keen on those masks since many don't don't wear them.
Anywhooo, now that we are done with health issues, let's get in to the travel manenos.
2. You can use a matatu, train, cab, motorbike or private means. This post will only advice on public transport.
i) The best matatus are the Kitengela or Athi River ones. Rembo shuttles are most reliable and fill up fastest. Grab them from from Railways matatu terminus next to the Easy Coach offices.
ii) Matatus will charge at least Kshs. 70/-.
iii) since you'll be going against morning traffic, it's not so bad.
3. If you are using a matatu, ask them to drop you off at The FLYOVER. Do not, I repeat DO NOT drop off at the kawaida SGR stage next to Hilton. DO NOT!
Reasons:
i)The new expressway crosses Mombasa Road and the road is therefore blocked in the middle. There is no crossing point at that point.
ii) There are no bodaboda bikes on the side across the road from the SGR side where the matatu drops you. You'll have to find a crossing point and probably walk to the SGR junction and it's a freaking long distance.
iii) If you ignore/forget my advice or the matatu guys force you out, you'll either have to walk to the airport exit, and cross to the other side through the underpass or walk to the FLYOVER I've mentioned above to cross over it. Both are very very long distances when walking and especially if you are not doing well on time. Wisest thing is to take another matatu to the flyover for Kshs. 20/- instead of walking.
iv) At the FLYOVER, grab another matatu to the SGR junction for Kshs. 20/-, or walk if you have the time and energy.
v) It is a freaking long distance...especially if walking in the rain. If you use the airport exit route, expect to walk to the SGR junction.
vi) From the SGR junction you can walk or grab a bodaboda bike for Kshs. 50/-.
4. If you are on the morning train (8am, 9am) to Coast and you are leaving the City centre there are two modes of transport which are even better than a matatu.
So, what are these options to Matatus:
i) There are 2 early mkoko trains from the City Centre Railway terminus to the SGR terminus:-
a) 6.30am train which charges Kshs. 50/- bob to SGR
b) 7am train which charges Kshs. 100/- bob to SGR
ii) SGR Buses specifically for the Nairobi Railway terminus. The earliest departs at 6:15am. They charge Kshs100/- bob one way.
5. If you intend to use the mkoko train, be at the City centre station early just in case they cancel it. They usually make an announcement in good time. If it's cancelled either grab a cab/bike OR go back to my point No. 2.
6. Finally, the SGR train is the only Kenyan mode of transport which usually departs on time. If it's your first time to use it, don't take chances as you'll cry while watching it leave you on the platform. I've seen several travellers standing helplessly on the platform on more than one occasion.
That's it for today my fellow travellers. Enjoy your SGR train ride when you use it next.
