Mombasa commuter rail to begin operations this Wednesday
Transport CS Davies Chirchir addressing journalists after inspecting the Mombasa Commuter Railway. The new Mombasa CBD Railway station is expected to benefit many travellers. Photos/Kenya Railways
What if the journey from the Mombasa Terminus could take minutes instead of hours?
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, that what-if becomes reality with the official launch of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, linking the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus in Miritini to the busy Mombasa Central Business District.
The project, costing about Sh4.2 billion, rehabilitated approximately 16.6 kilometres of metre gauge track and constructed key infrastructure including a 2.3-kilometre bridge across the Makupa Causeway.
New or refurbished stations at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras and the CBD have been completed, alongside “Park and Ride” and “Drop and Ride” facilities.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, during a site visit last week, said the line is ready and estimated that it will serve about 4,000 commuters daily, easing congestion along the Miritini-Changamwe route.
Once operational, the rail service will provide a reliable alternative to road transport, especially for passengers arriving on the Madaraka Express.
The passe must currently use matatus, taxis, or boda bodas to reach the city centre.
The fare for a trip between the SGR terminus in Miritini and the Mombasa Island CBD has been confirmed at KSh 50, a subsidised rate designed to make the service affordable.
Kenya Railways officials say this will reduce travel time significantly, cut transport costs for daily commuters, and relieve pressure on congested roads.
The infrastructure is complete and safety trials have been carried out.
Delays earlier in the project—chiefly due to land acquisition issues—were resolved with KSh 1.1 billion allocated to the National Land Commission for compensation.
With everything in place, all that remains is the formal commissioning by President William Ruto.
For many, this marks a turning point: a transport service built to shift the rhythm of urban movement in Mombasa, improve connectivity, and offer a smoother, more reliable experience for thousands who commute daily between the outskirts and the city centre.
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