Ruto Launches Mombasa Commuter Rail to Link SGR with City Centre

Mombasa, Kenya — 2025-09-17 17:00 EAT. President William Ruto has inaugurated the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, a modern transit project connecting the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus at Miritini with Mombasa’s central business district.

The Latest

• Route: Miritini → Changamwe West → Changamwe East → Shimanzi → Mazeras → City Centre.

• Infrastructure: 13.8 km of metre-gauge rail rehabilitated + 2.8 km new SGR link.

• Capacity: Up to 4,000 passengers daily.

Context in Brief

• Designed to decongest roads and provide affordable, predictable commuting between the SGR station and Mombasa CBD.

• Bridges the first-and-last-mile gap for travellers using the Madaraka Express.

Voices and Stakeholders

• President William Ruto: “This rail service continues the legacy of the Kenya–Uganda Railway launched at Kilometre Zero in 1896, opening trade routes and modernising East Africa.”

• Kenya Railways Corporation: Expects reduced road accidents, improved urban mobility, and economic productivity.

Evidence & Data

• Commuter capacity: 4,000 passengers/day.

• Construction scope: 13.8 km rehabilitation + 2.8 km SGR link.

• Historical reference: Kilometre Zero marks 130 years since the Kenya–Uganda Railway began.

Risks and Implications

• Transport: Could ease traffic congestion in Mombasa’s CBD.

• Tourism: Improves access to coastal destinations, boosting visitor numbers.

• Economy: Reduces travel time, increases trade and worker productivity.

What We Don’t Know

• Fare structure for the new commuter service.

• Timetable integration with Madaraka Express departures.

• Potential expansion to other Kenyan cities.

Timeline

• 1896: Kenya–Uganda Railway launched at Kilometre Zero.

• 2025-09-17: Mombasa Commuter Rail Service inaugurated by President Ruto.

• Future: Full operational rollout in phases for urban commuters.

What to Watch

• Ridership uptake over coming months.

• Integration with bus and matatu services for last-mile connectivity.

• Potential rail expansions under Kenya’s urban transport master plan.