Commuters in Mombasa are set for faster and more convenient travel as President William Ruto commissions the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service on September 17, 2025. The new service will link the Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in Miritini to the Mombasa Railway Station in the CBD, offering a quick connection for passengers arriving from Nairobi and other towns along the SGR line.
Transport officials say the project will significantly cut travel time, ease congestion along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway, and provide a reliable alternative to matatus and buses.
“This service will ensure that passengers arriving at the Mombasa SGR Terminus can connect to the heart of the city within minutes, instead of spending hours on the road,” the State Department for Transport said in a statement.
The launch marks a milestone in the government’s infrastructure agenda, positioning Mombasa as a pilot for modern commuter services. Kenya Railways said the commuter line represents a “new era of commuter convenience” and will encourage greater adoption of mass transit systems in Kenya’s urban centers.
The Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is expected to be particularly useful for passengers traveling between Nairobi and Mombasa, who often face heavy road traffic after alighting at the Miritini terminus.
Officials have also emphasized the project’s environmental benefits, noting that mass transit systems help reduce road congestion and cut down on vehicle emissions.
The service begins operations immediately after the commissioning, with fare details and schedules expected to be released by Kenya Railways.
