Kenya Railways has finalized the construction of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, a transformative project aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing connections between the Madaraka Express train and Mombasa’s city centre. The project, which cost Ksh.4.2 billion, links the Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus at Miritini with the Mombasa Central Railway Station.
As part of the development, new passenger stations were constructed in both Miritini and Mombasa town, alongside the upgrade of 16.6 kilometres of metre-gauge railway. A major highlight of the project is the 2.3-kilometre railway bridge built across the Makupa Causeway. Kenya Railways also announced plans to construct two more stations in Changamwe West and Changamwe East to further expand commuter access. According to Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar, test rides on the new line have been successfully completed to ensure safety standards, and passenger services will be launched “soon.”
Our aim is to cut down commuting time, reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and offer safe, reliable, and affordable public transport,
Mohamed DagharThe new commuter service is expected to serve over 1,000 passengers daily and will act as a vital extension of the Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express passenger service. Previously, travellers arriving at the Miritini SGR terminus, located approximately 15 kilometres from Mombasa’s CBD, had to rely primarily on taxis to complete their journey. With the new service, this last-mile connection will be much more efficient. Kenya Railways highlighted that the new commuter stations will include parking facilities for more than 100 vehicles, making it easier for travellers to access the service.
TheRailways chairman Abdi Bare noted that the timetable is designed to ensure that every time a Madaraka Express Passenger Service train arrives, a link train will be ready to transport travellers directly into Mombasa town and the same link train will also ferry passengers heading to board the Madaraka Express. The project, which began in September 2022, faced delays due to land acquisition challenges. These issues were resolved when the Ministry of Transport allocated Ksh.1.1 billion to the National Land Commission for compensating owners of a critical 1.4-kilometre stretch of land required for the rail line.
Conclusion
With construction now complete, the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is set to significantly enhance urban mobility, reduce travel costs, and contribute to more sustainable transport solutions in Kenya’s coastal city.
