It’s a new dawn for Mombasa in urban transport infrastructure after the government launched the Ksh6 billion Commuter Rail Service, 130 years after the Kenya-Uganda Railway first began operations at the iconic Mombasa Railway Station, historically known as “Kilometre Zero.”

The launch of the Ksh6 billion SGR-CBD Rail Link is a great milestone. The project commenced in 2022. The commuter train is expected to transport 4,000 people per a day, thus reducing traffic gridlocks on the roads and facilitating seamless traffic flow.

The project was commissioned by President William Ruto in the company of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir (Road and Transport), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy, Mining and Maritime Affairs) and Salim Mvurya (Sports) and Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar.

The project is a game-changer, according to Mombasa residents, who say it will transform how people move in and out of the port city. It is an answer for traffic snarl ups, delays as a result of unreliable road traffic endured by travellers arriving by the Madaraka Express.

The commuter service will ensure a fast, predictable and safe journey. It will reduce road gridlocks, lower accidents and reduce commute time between Mombasa and the SGR terminus in Miritini, commuters said.

The service will also decongest Mombasa Island as the commuter train will stop at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East and Shimanzi railway stations.

Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir said his ministry is investing deliberately in road, rail and sea infrastructure, not as isolated projects but as complementary pillars of a single national transport system.

He expounded that the last-mile commuter service will open opportunities for small traders, lower transport time and cost, thus putting money into people’s market and creating conditions for inclusive growth.

“The Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is a clear statement of what integrated transport policy can achieve. It is about linking cities, fostering productivity, and creating modern networks where every mode of transport complements the other,” Chirchir said.

“By strengthening rail here at the coast, we are not only supporting urban mobility but also reinforcing Kenya’s role as a regional hub for trade, tourism and logistics. This service will directly support port operations, reduce dependency on road transport and reduce congestion.”

The CS further stated that commuter rail is safe, and a highly subsidised social obligation encouraging travellers to use the service. Chirchir also affirmed the ministry’s commitment to building an integrated transport system that works for all Kenyans and positions it as a transport hub.

The CS confirmed that Ksh2.1 billion for compensation of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) along the Mombasa commuter line has been released to the National Land Commission, urging it to hasten disbursement for PAPs. He further disclosed that plans are underway by the contractor to beautify the railway corridor.

The project is part of a broader strategy to make Kenya a model of integration, modern and sustainable transport. The commuter train will also enable Mombasa residents to have an alternative mode of transport, thus easing pressure on road transport.

Passengers using the Madaraka Express passenger service train and the seven stations along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) arriving or departing from Mombasa will be able to use the MGR line to the Mombasa CBD station.

The project involves the rehabilitation of the 13.8-kilometre Metre-Gauge Railway from Kilometre Zero to Miritini and the construction of a new 2.8 link to the SGR Mombasa terminus. The second part of the project involves the rehabilitation of the Mombasa Central Railway Station and the construction of four mini-stations in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini and Shimanzi.

The project also entailed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking the SGR and MGR platforms, a locomotive turntable and a railway bridge with a length of 480 metres across the Makupa Causeway.

Commuter rail is part of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT) that the Ministry of Roads and Transport is implementing, including the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) for travellers to move safely and efficiently.

“The government of William Ruto has many firsts in the Coast region,” said Joho, urging Kenyans to support the government’s development agenda and ignore the naysayers.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir lauded the government for the project, noting that it will open up the county for investments. He said that talks are ongoing with the Kenya Railway Corporation on how to manage traffic flow in the new station at the heart of Mombasa.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sadik Hassan and Joyce Hadrine