President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday launched the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) passenger train by taking the maiden trip from Miritini, Mombasa, a day after he flagged off the cargo train in Port Riz.

Below are 10 things you should know about the SGR (MADARAKA EXPRESS)

1. The SGR train has been christened Madaraka Express.
2. Train can transport at least 1,200 passengers daily.
3. Madaraka Express to offer intercity and county services.
4. The Mombasa-Nairobi SGR is the biggest infrastructure project in Kenya since independence.
5. The SGR distance between Nairobi and Mombasa is 472 kilometres
6. Train to travel at average speed of 120 kilometres per hour
7. Passengers in economy class to initially pay Sh900 and those in business class to pay Sh3,000.
8. It will cost Sh50,000 to transport a 20-foot container from Mombasa to Nairobi.
9. It will take you between 4-5 hours from Mombasa to Nairobi.
10. Attendants on board are trained to speak in Chinese as well.

Happy Madaraka Day.