NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Railways is preparing to unveil a new Mombasa Commuter Rail service that will, for the first time, offer direct train access from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus to the heart of Mombasa’s central business district.
The long-awaited project aims to solve a persistent headache for thousands of passengers who arrive daily in Mombasa via the Madaraka Express but are forced to spend additional time and money on road transfers from the SGR terminus in Miritini — located about 11 kilometers from the city centre.
In a statement, Kenya Railways said the new service is designed to offer faster, more affordable, and seamless connectivity for all travelers, including families, students, tourists, and traders.
“For years, passengers arriving in Mombasa have faced the inconvenience of having to complete their journey by road. With the Mombasa Commuter Rail, that will soon be a thing of the past,” the statement read.
The new commuter line is expected to significantly reduce transfer times while easing congestion on Mombasa roads.
Officials say it will also support local businesses by making the CBD more accessible to both residents and visitors.
“This is more than a transport upgrade. It’s a game-changer for Mombasa and a win for all Kenyans who use the railway network,” Kenya Railways said.
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
The upcoming service is part of a broader push by the government to modernize urban mobility and improve integration between long-distance and local transport systems.
It also aligns with the country’s strategy to promote rail transport as a safer, more sustainable alternative to road travel.
While an official launch date has not been disclosed, Kenya Railways said preparations are in the final stages and the countdown to launch has begun.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail will complement similar services already operating in Nairobi, where commuter trains link the Nairobi Terminus with the city’s CBD and surrounding suburbs.
With Mombasa being Kenya’s second-largest city and a key hub for trade and tourism, the launch is expected to attract strong demand from both domestic and international travelers.
