Kenya Railways has warned the public against fraudulent websites and online platforms posing as official ticket booking channels for the Madaraka Express Passenger Service, saying the scams could lead to financial losses and theft of personal information.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the corporation cautioned passengers to remain vigilant against fraudsters who are impersonating its official booking platforms to trick unsuspecting customers into making payments through unauthorized channels.
"Kenya Railways wishes to alert members of the public to the fraudulent websites and online platforms purporting to sell tickets for the Madaraka Express Passenger Service," the notice stated.
The airline warned that the fake platforms are designed to deceive customers, exposing them not only to financial loss but also to the risk of having their personal information compromised.
"These fraudulent platforms are designed to deceive customers into making payments through unauthorized channels, resulting in financial loss and possible compromise of personal information," Kenya Railways said.
To safeguard travellers, the corporation urged passengers to use only its approved ticket booking channels when purchasing Madaraka Express tickets.
According to the notice, bookings should only be made through the official online booking platform, the USSD service by dialling *639#, or by visiting any Madaraka Express Passenger Service station across the country.
"Members of the public are advised that bookings for the Madaraka Express Passenger Service should ONLY be made through the following official channels," the corporation said, listing its website, USSD code and physical stations as the only authorized booking options.
Kenya Railways also clarified that all official customer communication regarding the Madaraka Express service will only be conducted through its designated telephone numbers.
"We further wish to notify the public that any communication from the Corporation will only be through the following phone numbers: 0709 907 000 or 0709 907 555," the notice stated.
The corporation warned that it will not be held responsible for any losses or disputes arising from transactions conducted through unauthorized booking platforms or communications outside its official channels.
"The Corporation will not be held liable for any issues arising from bookings or calls made outside the official channels listed above," Kenya Railways said.
The warning comes amid a rise in online scams targeting travellers through fake websites and social media pages that mimic legitimate businesses.
Kenya Railways has urged passengers to verify booking platforms before making payments and to rely only on its official channels when purchasing Madaraka Express tickets or seeking customer assistance.