The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) is set to commission the Sh4.2 billion Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus and Mombasa Central Business District (CBD) Link Line Project, following the completion of construction works.
KRC Managing Director Philip Mainga confirmed the project’s readiness during a briefing to the National Assembly Committee on Implementation, led by Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala, during an inspection tour of SGR operations in Mombasa.
Launched in September 2022, the 26-kilometre link line had faced delays due to land acquisition issues, prompting the Ministry of Transport to allocate Sh1.1 billion to the National Land Commission to resolve the matter. The project includes the rehabilitation of the historic Mombasa Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) line from Miritini to the CBD, offering seamless connectivity for Madaraka Express passengers and users of the seven SGR stations terminating in Mombasa.
Additional infrastructure includes the restoration of the Mombasa Central Railway Station, construction of four new mini-stations in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini, and Shimanzi, a pedestrian bridge linking the SGR and MGR platforms, a locomotive turntable, and a 480-meter railway bridge across the Makupa Causeway.
Mainga noted that the project will ease pressure on road transport and support the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) strategy, which also includes the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. “This commuter line is not just a transport solution; it’s a milestone in urban connectivity,” he said. He urged Kenyans to embrace rail transport and experience the transformation in the sector.
Committee Chair Raphael Wanjala praised KRC’s performance, noting that the Madaraka Express has transported over 15.3 million passengers and 39.78 million tonnes of cargo since its inception eight years ago. He urged the Corporation to raise the number of daily passenger and cargo trains from 14 to 18 to maximize output and boost trade across the country and with landlocked neighbors.
Wanjala also dismissed speculation that the Port of Mombasa was used as collateral for the SGR loan. “KRC is financially independent and is repaying its loan from China without difficulties,” he affirmed.
Mandera South MP Abdul Haro applauded the progress, describing Kenya’s freight operations as ahead of its regional peers and calling for greater government support to help the Corporation reach its full potential.
Other legislators present included Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), Cynthia Muge (Nandi County), Memusi Kanchory (Kajiado Central), Johnson Naicca (Mumias West), and Kibet Komingoi (Bureti).
Written By Rodney Mbua
