MOMBASA, Kenya — President William Ruto on Wednesday inaugurated the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, marking the return of passenger trains to the coastal city nearly eight years after services ceased.
The new line connects Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD) to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus in Miritini, with the government touting it as a game-changer for urban transport.
“This project will transform how thousands of residents, traders and tourists move daily,” President Ruto said during the launch. “It is about creating safer, faster and more affordable transport for all.”
The service is anchored on the rehabilitation of a 13.8-kilometre section of the old metre-gauge railway and a newly built 2.8-kilometre link to the SGR.
Key stops include Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and Mombasa CBD.
Officials estimate the line will carry up to 4,000 passengers daily, easing congestion on Mombasa’s busy roads while complementing the Madaraka Express, which already serves 2.6 million passengers annually.
Kenya Railways said the project is also expected to reduce road accidents by shifting more commuters from highways to rail.
The launch also symbolises the “rebirth” of passenger services in Mombasa, which ended on April 29, 2017, when the old Lunatic Line made its last trip to the city.
On April 29, 2017 the passenger service train to Mombasa on the Lunatic Line made it’s last trip bringing to an end an affair that many had become so attached to.Today something exciting is happening in Mombasa County. H.E Hon. William Samoei Ruto PhD, C.G.H will commission
The refurbished line links the Mombasa Island to the mainland through the Makupa Causeway Railway Bridge, giving residents, tourists, and business owners direct rail access into the heart of the city.
“This is more than transport infrastructure,” Ruto added. “It is about boosting trade, enhancing tourism, and improving quality of life for Kenyans.”
