SGR Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Carry on Kenya’s Madaraka Express Train

Kenya Railways has issued a comprehensive list of items banned from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), warning passengers that carrying restricted goods on the Madaraka Express could result in confiscation or denial of boarding.

The clarification came in response to a public inquiry on social media asking whether passengers could travel with tools and equipment aboard the SGR. Kenya Railways confirmed that tools fall squarely within its restricted items policy under the Madaraka Express Passenger Service Conditions for Carriage.

“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 in its response.

Tools and Workshop Equipment

Workshop tools — including hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers — are not permitted inside passenger coaches. Passengers arriving at stations with such items will be required to surrender them to Kenya Railways security personnel, who will handle them in line with established safety procedures.

Bicycles

The corporation does not currently allow bicycles on board passenger trains due to operational constraints. Passengers intending to travel with a bicycle are advised to consult station management ahead of their journey.

Alcohol and Smoking

Passengers are prohibited from carrying alcoholic beverages into train stations or aboard any SGR train. Smoking is also strictly banned across all Kenya Railways premises, including station buildings and train coaches.

Aerosol Sprays

A broad range of aerosol products is banned, including hair sprays, body sprays, pepper sprays, insecticides, shaving cream, and sunscreen.

Firearms and Explosives

Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and flares are all prohibited. Passengers who are licensed firearms holders must notify the Kenya Railways Security team in advance of travel to receive guidance on the correct procedure.

Flammable and Combustible Materials

Flammable liquids and materials — among them turpentine, kerosene, petrol, paints, and adhesives — are banned. Lighters, including butane, absorbed fuel, electric, and battery-powered novelty lighters, are also prohibited, as are matchboxes. Compressed gases such as butane, propane, aqualung cylinders, and lighter refills are similarly restricted.

Drugs and Controlled Substances

Narcotic and controlled substances — including cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and mandrax — are strictly forbidden on all SGR trains and premises.

Wildlife Trophies

The transportation of animal trophies, including wild animal skins, hides, horns, and cowrie shells, is not permitted on board.

Other Prohibited Items

Additional banned items include lithium battery security cases, pyrotechnics, live animals and pets, oxidising substances, disabling devices, tear gas, and poisonous substances.

Kenya Railways has also reserved the right to bar any item not explicitly listed that may pose a safety or security risk under Kenyan law.

What Passengers Should Know Before Travelling

Passengers are advised to review the full list of SGR prohibited items before arriving at any Kenya Railways station to avoid delays, confiscation of goods, or denied boarding. The restrictions apply to all Madaraka Express routes, including the Nairobi–Mombasa and Nairobi–Naivasha corridors.

Kenya Railways says the measures are designed to safeguard the wellbeing of all passengers and staff, and enforcement is carried out by security teams stationed at all SGR terminals.