Mombasa: It's a new dawn for urban transport in Mombasa as the government launched the Sh6 billion Commuter Rail Service, 130 years after the Kenya-Uganda Railway first began operations at the iconic Mombasa Railway Station, famously known as 'Kilometre Zero'.

According to Kenya News Agency, the launch of the Sh6B SGR-CBD Rail Link marks a significant milestone. The project commenced in 2022, and the commuter train is expected to transport 4,000 people daily, thereby alleviating traffic congestion on the roads and facilitating smoother traffic flow.

The project was officially commissioned by Head of State Dr. William Ruto, with Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir (Road and Transport), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy, Mining and Maritime Affairs), Salim Mvurya (Sports), and Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar in attendance.

This initiative is set to transform how people move in and out of the Port City, addressing road congestion and delays that travelers on the Madaraka Express currently endure. The commuter service aims to provide a fast, predictable, and safe journey, reducing road gridlocks, lowering accident rates, and minimizing commute times between Mombasa and the SGR terminus in Miritini.

The service will also decongest Mombasa Island, with the commuter train stopping at Miritini, Changamwe West, Changamwe East, and Shimanzi stations. Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, emphasized the Ministry's investment in road, rail, and sea infrastructure as complementary pillars of a unified national transport system.

Chirchir elaborated that the last-mile commuter service will create opportunities for small traders, lower transportation time and costs, and foster inclusive growth. He highlighted the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service as an example of integrated transport policy's potential to link cities, promote productivity, and create modern transport networks.

By bolstering rail services at the Coast, the project supports urban mobility, enhances Kenya's role as a regional trade, tourism, and logistics hub, and directly aids port operations while reducing road transport dependency and congestion. Chirchir also mentioned the safety and affordability of commuter rail as a social obligation.

Chirchir affirmed the Ministry's commitment to developing an integrated transport system beneficial to all Kenyans, positioning the country as a transport hub. He confirmed the release of Sh2.1 billion for compensating Project Affected Persons along the Mombasa commuter line, urging expedited disbursement by the National Land Commission, and disclosed plans for beautifying the railway corridor.

This project is part of a broader strategy to establish Kenya as a model of integration and sustainable transport, offering Mombasa residents an alternative mode of transport to ease road pressure. Passengers using the Madaraka Express and the seven SGR stations arriving or departing from Mombasa will have access to the MGR line to the Mombasa CBD station.

The project includes rehabilitating the 13.8-kilometre metre-gauge railway from Kilometre Zero to Miritini, constructing a new 2.8-kilometre link to the SGR Mombasa terminus, and rehabilitating the Mombasa Central Railway Station with four mini-stations in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini, and Shimanzi.

Additional developments include a pedestrian bridge linking the SGR and MGR platforms, a locomotive turntable, and a 480-metre railway bridge across the Makupa Causeway. Commuter rail forms part of the Ministry's Mass Rapid Transit System, alongside the Bus Rapid Transit System, ensuring safe and efficient travel.

CS Joho praised the government for its initiatives in the Coast region, encouraging public support for the development agenda. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir commended the project for its potential to attract investments and mentioned ongoing discussions with the Kenya Railway Corporation to manage traffic flow at the new Mombasa station.