Mombasa Commuter Rail Launched to Ease Urban Congestion and Boost Economic Growth

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A new commuter rail service connecting Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD) to Miritini was officially launched today, by president William Ruto marking a significant step toward modernizing urban transport in Kenya’s coastal hub. Developed by Kenya Railways in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the project is expected to serve up to 4,000 passengers daily with the expected transport cost to be Ksh. 50 per passngers offering a safer, more affordable, and time-efficient alternative to road travel.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail features a 2.3-kilometer rail bridge across the Makupa Causeway and modern commuter stations in Mombasa town and Miritini. The initiative aims to alleviate pressure on Mombasa’s congested road network while enhancing last mile connectivity for commuters. With the Madaraka Express already transporting over 2.6 million passengers annually, this new rail link is poised to boost passenger numbers further and solidify rail transport as a cornerstone of urban mobility in the region.

Speaking at the launch event at Miritini Railway Station, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir hailed the project as a strategic move to promote economic inclusion. “This project enhances last-mile connectivity and links directly with the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway. It will facilitate economic inclusion by connecting underserved communities to the city’s commercial hubs,” Chirchir said. He also highlighted the project’s potential to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in operations, maintenance, and support services.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir described the rail service as a “strategic economic intervention” aligned with the county’s urban development and decongestion goals. “This isn’t just a transport milestone. It opens up suburban areas, boosts productivity, and supports our vision of a connected and inclusive city,” Nassir said. He noted that small businesses, students, and market traders would be among the biggest beneficiaries of the affordable and efficient transport system.

The commuter rail is expected to ease vehicular congestion on key roads around the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest seaport, improving cargo movement and urban efficiency. Tourism stakeholders have also welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that enhanced transport infrastructure will improve the visitor experience, encouraging longer stays and increased spending in the region.
The project is part of a broader national effort to modernize urban rail systems, following similar developments in Nairobi. The government is also exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop commercial and retail spaces along the rail corridor, further driving local economic growth. “We’re building transport systems that drive enterprise, unlock productivity, and deliver shared prosperity,” Chirchir added.

The launch event saw enthusiastic participation from locals, with many expressing optimism about the rail service’s potential to transform daily commuting and stimulate economic activity in Mombasa.


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