Kenya Railways has completed the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service project, a development expected to transform urban mobility in the coastal city.
The project involved the construction of new passenger stations in Mombasa town and Miritini, alongside the rehabilitation of 16.6km of the ageing Metre Gauge Railway. A 2.3km bridge has also been built across the Makupa causeway, linking the commuter line directly to the city.
Two more stations are planned for Changamwe West and Changamwe East, signalling continued expansion.
Transport principal secretary Mohamed Daghar, who toured the new infrastructure with Kenya Railways executives, confirmed that test rides had been successful and that services would commence soon.
“I am pleased to inform you that the project is now complete and ready for operations. Our goal is to reduce commuting time, ease road congestion, cut carbon emissions, and provide safe, reliable, and affordable transport for all,” Daghar said.
The service will link directly with the Madaraka Express passenger train, creating a new level of integration between Kenya’s flagship standard gauge line and the local commuter network.
A synchronised timetable will allow passengers arriving in Miritini on the Express to immediately transfer to the “Link train” into central Mombasa, and vice versa.
Kenya Railways chairman Abdi Bare said the arrangement was designed to guarantee seamless connections. “Every time the Madaraka Express arrives, the Link train will be on standby to provide last-mile transport,” he said.
The project introduces “Park and Ride” and “Drop and Ride” options, with capacity for more than 100 vehicles and a daily ridership target of over 1,000 commuters. Officials say it will provide a safe and affordable alternative to road transport, while reducing pressure on Mombasa’s congested road network.
