President William Ruto on Wednesday, September 17, commissioned the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, marking the return of passenger train operations to Mombasa’s CBD after years of absence.
In a statement, Kenya Railways described the launch as a new chapter for rail transport in the coastal city.
“On April 29, 2017, the passenger service train to Mombasa on the Lunatic Line made its last trip, bringing to an end an affair that many had become so attached to.
“Today, something exciting is happening in Mombasa County. President Ruto will commission the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service,” the statement read.
According to Kenya Railways, the commuter service will play a critical role in easing mobility within the region.
“We witness the rebirth of passenger train service to Mombasa CBD from Mombasa Terminus. Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is designed to transport residents of areas along the Metre Gauge Railway corridor, tourists, and visitors to Mombasa CBD comfortably,” the statement added.
Kenya Railways added that the service, which links Mombasa Island to the mainland, is expected to offer a cost-effective option for both locals and visitors.
“Linking the Mombasa Island to Mombasa Mainland via the Makupa Causeway Railway Bridge, the service is designed to offer an affordable, reliable and efficient service,” the statement concluded.
Kenya Railways announced plans to launch the commuter rail service back in June.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, the corporation confirmed that the Mombasa Commuter Rail service was 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.
Before the introduction of the rail service, passengers disembarking from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) at Mombasa Terminus in Miritini faced additional transport costs and time delays when connecting to the city.
Kenya Railways explained that 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.
Prior to this, 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 facilitate the 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.
