President William Ruto has unveiled the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service, which will run its services from Mombasa to the Central Business District (CBD).
Speaking on Wednesday, September 17, Ruto stated that this will help in transforming how Kenyans move in and out of our coastal city of Mombasa.
He added that the commuter Rail service will be timely and will help alleviate congestion and the burden of unreliable road traffic.
Ruto noted that this will help passengers commuting between the Mombasa central business district and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus to solve these challenges.
“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.
He said that since the train will stop at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, Shimanzi, Mazeras, and Mombasa CBD, the services will decongest the city.
According to him, since the train will use these vital routes, productivity will be enhanced making daily commuting easier for thousands of people.
History of Kilometre Zero
President Ruto, in his speech, explained the historic importance of the launch site, Kilometre Zero, where the Kenya Uganda Railways began 130 years ago.
“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.
He noted that the rehabilitation of the 13.8 km of the metre gauge railway from Kilometre Zero to Miritini along with a new 2.8km to the SGR, bridges a gap between city and rail.
The connection will, however, serve up to 4000 passengers daily, providing smoother connections.
"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.
