Mombasa Commuter Rail Service Launched to Revolutionize City Travel

By Bruno Aero

Family Media

Staff writer and Journalists

18 Sept 2025 4.45 Pm

HE President William Ruto has officially launched the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, a groundbreaking project designed to tackle congestion, delays, and unreliable road transport in the coastal city. The new service promises to deliver faster, safer, and more affordable travel for thousands of commuters and visitors.

Key Features of the Service

- Affordable Fares Commuters will now pay a significantly lower fare of KSh 50 to travel to and from the city's central business district (CBD), down from KSh 200 previously charged by taxis and matatus.

- *Increased Capacity*: The service has a daily capacity of up to 4,000 passengers, expected to reduce gridlocks, lower road accidents, and enhance productivity by easing commuting.

- Reliable and Efficient The commuter trains will stop at key stations, including Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, and the Mombasa CBD, providing residents and tourists with a reliable and affordable travel option.

Historical Significance

The Mombasa terminal sits at Kilometre Zero, the starting point of the Kenya-Uganda Railway nearly 130 years ago. President Ruto emphasized that the launch connects the city to its history while opening new possibilities for the future. The service is designed to complement the Madaraka Express, which already ferries about 2.6 million passengers annually.

Government's Vision

The initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to expand Kenya's rail network, extending from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu and linking with the Lamu Port-South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor. With this launch, Mombasa joins Nairobi as a key beneficiary of commuter rail solutions, underscoring Kenya's push to modernize transport infrastructure.¹ ²