Mombasa Commuter Rail Launch Set to Boost Urban Mobility and Economic Growth

By Mbungu Harrison & Mwakwaya Raymond

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The long-awaited Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is set to be officially launched on September 17, 2025 in an event expected to revolutionise urban transport and stimulate economic activity at the coastal city.

Transport cabinet secretary Davis Chirchir said that the project infrastructure was complete with the newly built Mombasa Central Railway Station fully operational and ready for commissioning by President William Ruto.

The new commuter service will link Mombasa’s city center with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus at Miritini, thus, providing a seamless connection between local and national transport systems.

With a daily passenger capacity exceeding 4,000, the service is positioned as a game-changer for urban commuting in the west Suburb of Changamwe and its environs.

“This project is a game-changer for urban mobility in Mombasa. The infrastructure is ready, test runs have been successful, and we’re now set for the official launch by His Excellency the President,” he said during an inspection of the facilities on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Kenya Railways (KR) has confirmed that passengers will pay a subsidized fare of Ksh 50 between the Island station and Changamwe-Jomvu-Miritini route to the SGR Terminus, thus opening commuter services to residents of this west suburb.

The project features a newly constructed bridge across Kibarani creek to the modern, well-equipped stations and a refurbished track network that enhances service reliability and safety.

Originally initiated in September 2022, the project faced delays due to land acquisition challenges. However, all major works are now complete, and the service is fully operational.

The commuter rail is expected to play a pivotal role in decongesting the central business district roads to the west mainland of Changamwe by reducing travel time for daily commuters, and also lowering carbon emissions. It will also improve access to the Madaraka Express for passengers traveling to and from Nairobi.

Communities along the corridor-including Shimanzi, Changamwe, and Mazeras will stand to benefit from improved transport links and this is expected to enhance economic opportunities.

Businesses near stations are also expected to experience increased foot traffic and commercial activity.

The CS emphasised that the Mombasa Commuter Rail was part of the government’s wider initiative to modernize Kenya’s urban transport infrastructure and support sustainable urban development.

The project aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic growth in the Coast region.

The secretary was accompanied on the inspection tour by transport principal secretary Mohamed Daghar and members of the Kenya Railways board of directors and management.

As the official launch approaches, stakeholders across transport, business, and real estate sectors are watching closely, anticipating the positive ripple effects of this major infrastructure investment.