By CGTN's Fridah Mlemwa

The train line that has been called a game-changer for Kenya, the China-supported standard gauge railway (SGR) between Mombasa and Nairobi, has been under construction for two and a half years. Now, it's ready for passengers. 

We were among the first to get a look inside on one of the first test runs. This journey to Mombasa would normally take about 12 hours, but managers of the SGR are aiming to cut that travel time to under five hours. 

As we took our seats and the train departed from the station in Nairobi, it was 7:48 in the morning. We were eager to see what time we would arrive in Mombasa.

The train has a first class and an economy class. But rarely has budget travel been so comfortable. Every carriage has an attendant, and another important upgrade from the SGR’s processor is the air conditioning. 

Hospitality crew members sit in a new standard gauge passenger car, prior to a journey to Nairobi, on May 29, 2017 in Mombasa. /VCG Photo

In the first class cabin, there is a lot more legroom in comparison to economy, and a few more added comforts like a tray table for drinks or snacks. There are also power points to charge devices during the long journey ahead, plus the seat reclines for added comfort. 

As the train passes through the Tsavo National Park, passengers got to experience a mini-safari, from the comfort of their carriage.

This photo taken on May 30, 2017 shows diesel train cars at the container terminal of the port of the coastal town of Mombasa. /VCG Photo‍

With 15 coaches, each Mombasa-Nairobi train can carry 1,590 people," according to Zhao Yang, a public relations manager of China Road & Bridge Corp.

We finally arrived in Mombasa at 12:53, so about five minutes behind schedule but not bad for a test run.

The train will make a daily return trip between Mombasa and Nairobi with seven stops along the way.