Kenya Railways has officially commenced operation of the Ksh 6 billion Mombasa Commuter Railway Service in a move expected to transform urban transport in the coastal city.
Speaking when he launched the service, President William Ruto said the rail project will offer local commuters and those who arrive in Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) faster, safer, and more affordable mode of commuting on the railway that stretches for 16.6km.
He said the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service marks a bold step in transforming the mode of transport by linking the city centre with the SGR terminus at Miritini and other stops, easing congestion and offering Kenyans a more reliable transport system.
Rehabilitation works on the project covered the 13.8km line, together with a 2.8km link to the SGR which now closes a historic gap at Kilometre Zero, the point where the 1896 Kenya-Uganda Railway started.
“This is part of our government’s strategy to expand the rail network from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu and across the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor, securing Kenya’s place as the gateway to Africa,” said President Ruto.
Speaking at Miritini when he launched the commuter rail service on Wednesday, the President pointed out that the train service will reduce travel time, ease congestion, and provide a safer and affordable alternative to road transport for residents and other Kenyans.
He explained that the railway link is crucial 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.
He noted that the rail service will be a reprieve for travellers who have been paying a high price using taxis and matatu.
“The commissioning of the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is more than a local convenience. It is a symbol of our past, a solution for the present, and a promise for the future. With this service, Kilometre Zero once again becomes the epicentre of Kenya’s journey and not just the starting point of our history, but the launchpad of our modern economic destiny,” President Ruto explained.
At the same time, the President announced that the Ksh 65 billion Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone will be launched before the end of the year and is projected to create thousands of jobs for residents of the Coast region and the entire country.
Later, the President inspected construction works at the Jomvu Bridge, Nyali Affordable Housing Project and issued title deeds to residents of Chaani all in Mombasa.
President Ruto said Ksh 24 billion has been set aside for construction of affordable housing, fresh produce markets and students’ hostels in Mombasa County.
He also announced that the Port of Mombasa is being expanded at the cost of Ksh 41 billion, adding that this will make the important gateway to Eastern Africa “better and bigger”.
For road construction in the county, the President said Ksh 4.7 billion has been allocated for Mombasa City.
And while issuing title deeds to Chaani residents, he said a further Ksh 3.8 billion has been set aside for the processing of more title deeds and buying of land from absentee landlords to re- settle squatters.
At the same time, the President told off his critics, saying they have nothing new to offer Kenyans. He urged Kenyans to ignore leaders who have no meaningful agenda for the country.
Called for unity and support of the government’s transformation agenda, he urged the country should ignore “the naysayers and negative voices” who did not believe in Kenya.
“Kenyans should stand together and ignore those who have no plan, vision or agenda for the progress of our country,” he stated.
He said the government’s development priorities, including food security, road infrastructure, healthcare, and affordable housing, were on course and benefiting Kenyans.
The President regretted that some leaders had no faith in the transformation agenda of the country.
“Kenya is on the path to shaming its enemies through development success. We have to believe in ourselves and we must believe in our ability to take our country from the Third World status to the First World,” he said.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Kenyans to support President Ruto in transforming the country.
He said the ongoing transformation agenda will take the country to the next level in terms of development.
Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho criticised opposition leaders who have faulted President Ruto’s government.
CS Joho noted that many critics of the government have previously held powerful positions but failed to bring meaningful change.
“It’s President Ruto’s administration that has put the Coast region on the national map through development projects. Previous governments had ignored us,” he said.
Joho expressed strong backing for the President and urged residents at the Coast to unite and support his bid for a second term.
Present were Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Salim Mvurya (Sports), Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir and several MPs and MCAs.
