Full List of Prohibited and Restricted Items on the Madaraka Express

Passengers planning to travel on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) have been warned against carrying tools or similar items on board, after a clarification by the Kenya Railways.

In a response to a customer inquiry on social media, Kenya Railways clarified that tools are classified among restricted items under its Madaraka Express Passenger Service Conditions for Carriage.

The clarification followed a question from a member of the public asking whether passengers can travel with tools and other equipment on the SGR.

”Hello, Tools are among the items restricted on the train, as outlined in the Kenya Railways Corporation Madaraka Express Passenger Service Conditions for Carriage,” the corporation stated.

However, Kenya Railways noted that tools were among the many items prohibited on its premises and trains. 

The corporation went ahead and listed a long list of prohibited and restricted items within its premises and onboard its trains as part of measures to enhance passenger safety and security, a list that the public might not have been aware of.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Workshop tools such as hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers are not permitted inside passenger coaches. Such items must be surrendered to Kenya Railways security teams at stations for handling in accordance with the corporation’s safety procedures.

The corporation said it does not currently allow bicycles on board passenger trains due to operational constraints. Passengers carrying bicycles are advised to seek guidance from station management before travel.

Passengers are also prohibited from carrying alcoholic beverages into train stations or onboard trains. In addition, smoking is strictly banned across all Kenya Railways premises, including stations and train coaches.

The corporation has further banned aerosol sprays, including hair sprays, body sprays, pepper sprays, insecticides, shaving cream, and sunscreen.

Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and flares are also prohibited.

However, holders of registered firearms are required to inform the Kenya Railways Security team in advance for guidance and assistance.

The list also includes Flammable materials and liquids, such as turpentine, kerosene, petrol, paints, adhesives, and lighters (butane, absorbed fuel, electric, or battery-powered novelty lighters), as well as matchboxes. Compressed gases, whether flammable, non-flammable, or poisonous, such as butane, propane, gasoline, aqualung cylinders, and lighter refills, are also banned.

Security-type cases or boxes containing goods such as lithium batteries, pyrotechnics, or dynamite are prohibited. The transport of animal trophies, including wild animal skins or hides, horns, and cowrie shells, is not allowed.

Kenya Railways further lists Narcotic or controlled drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin and mandrax as strictly forbidden. 

The list further includes Live animals and pets,  oxidising substances, disabling devices, tear gas, and poisonous substances.

Kenya Railways has also reserved the right to bar any other substances not on the list that may pose a danger to its premises or trains, or items deemed security threats under law.

According to Kenya Railways, the restriction is to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff, as passengers are now required to note the limits before travelling via SGR to avoid inconvenience.