Ruto Launches New Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, Saving SGR Passengers Time & Money [PHOTOS]

President William Ruto has launched the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, linking the city’s Central Business District (CBD) to surrounding areas.

During the unveiling on Wednesday, September 17, Ruto said the project will revolutionise transport in Mombasa by easing movement in and out of the coastal city.

He emphasised that the rail service will provide a timely solution to traffic congestion and the frustrations of unreliable road transport, particularly for passengers travelling between the CBD and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus.

“With this new service, journeys will be faster, safer, and more predictable. It will cut commuting time between Mombasa town and the SGR terminal, reduce road gridlocks, lower road tragedies and costs, and provide residents and visitors with a modern, affordable, and reliable travel option,” he said.

Image of President William Ruto at the ticketing desk at Mombasa Railway Station on September 17, 2025. /PCS

Ruto noted that with stops at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and the Mombasa CBD, the new rail service will help ease congestion in the city.

He added that by operating along these critical routes, the train will boost productivity and simplify daily travel for thousands of commuters.

What This Means

The launch of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service by President William Ruto is more than just a new transport option — it’s a game-changer for both local commuters and long-distance travellers arriving from Nairobi on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

For Mombasa residents, the service provides a direct solution to the city’s notorious traffic congestion. With trains making stops at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and the CBD, thousands of daily commuters will have a reliable and faster alternative to matatus and private cars.

By easing movement between key residential and business hubs, the rail service is expected to save time, cut commuting costs, and boost productivity for workers and students alike.

For SGR passengers from Nairobi, the new rail service closes a critical gap. Previously, travellers arriving at the Miritini SGR terminus had to rely on road transport — often battling long queues, heavy traffic, and unpredictable connections to reach the city centre. The commuter rail now offers a seamless link from the SGR terminus straight into Mombasa’s CBD, ensuring a smoother, safer, and more predictable travel experience.

Beyond convenience, the integration of the commuter rail with the SGR is set to enhance tourism and business travel. Visitors arriving from Nairobi can move around the coastal city more easily, while local businesses will benefit from better connectivity for both employees and customers.

Kilometre Zero

Launched at the historic Kilometre Zero, where the Kenya-Uganda Railway began 130 years ago, the project symbolises a revival of rail as the backbone of urban transport. For everyday commuters and long-distance travellers alike, the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service promises to transform how people move — making travel not just faster, but smarter.

“This event is also of great historical significance. Here at Kilometre Zero, the Kenya-Uganda Railway began nearly 130 years ago. From this very point, the so-called Lunatic Express carried the promise of modernisation, trade, and integration into the interior, reaching Kisumu, then known as Port Florence, in 1901, and Kampala in 1931,” the head of state noted in his speech.

President William Ruto and his Deputy Kithure Kindiki commissioning the new Mombasa Commuter Rail Service on September 17, 2025. /PCS

He pointed out that the rehabilitation of the 13.8 km metre gauge railway from Kilometre Zero to Miritini, together with a new 2.8 km link to the SGR, has effectively bridged the gap between the city and the rail system.

The connection is expected to handle up to 4,000 passengers daily, offering smoother and more reliable transit.

"This link matters because it provides the much-needed first and last mile connection for commuters, visitors, and tourists. With a daily capacity of up to 4,000 passengers, it will ease pressure on roads and enhance the commuting experience, while making the Madaraka Express more accessible and convenient for all," he added.