Kenya Railways to Introduce Direct Train Access to Mombasa CBD

Kenya Railways is set to launch a new commuter rail service that will, for the first time, offer passengers direct train access to Mombasa’s CBD.  

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 18, the corporation confirmed that the Mombasa Commuter Rail service is set to transform the travel experience for thousands of daily users of the Madaraka Express.

“For years, passengers arriving in Mombasa by the Madaraka Express train have had to stop miles away from the city. That inconvenience is about to be history. 

"With the soon-to-be-launched Mombasa Commuter Rail service, Kenya Railways is introducing direct train access to Mombasa Business District (CBD), making travel convenient, faster and more affordable,” read the statement.

Currently, passengers disembarking from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) at Mombasa Terminus in Miritini face additional transport costs and time delays when connecting to the city center. 

The new service is expected to bridge this last-mile gap by providing seamless connectivity from the terminus to the heart of Mombasa.

“Imagine, no more long, costly transfers from Mombasa Terminus and easier movement for families, tourists, traders, and students. This is more than a transport upgrade, it’s a win for the people of Mombasa and all Kenyans who travel by railway,” the corporation said.

The announcement comes about three months after Kenya Railways announced it would start transporting perishable goods to the Port of Mombasa after acquiring Reefer wagons.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 19, the corporation announced the introduction of specialized wagons designed to handle goods that require temperature control.  

"The Corporation has introduced Reefer wagons, which will facilitatethe  transportation of perishable cargo. Fresh produce/perishables can now be collected from Fresh Produce Consolidation Centres, transported via rail to the Port of Mombasa for onward transportation via sea to Europe and other destinations,” the statement read.

Kenya Railways said the introduction of the wagons is part of a broader plan to establish a Cool Logistics Corridor, aimed at streamlining the transportation of fresh farm produce across East Africa.

“This is as a result of Kenya's commitment to creating a Cool Logistics Corridor that will facilitate transportation of fresh farm produce/perishables to and from the East African region, a move that will boost the horticulture sector,” the statement added.