President William Ruto is set to commission the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service on September 17, 2025, marking a major step in efforts to improve public transport in the coastal city.

The service will connect the Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in Miritini with the Mombasa Railway Station in the Central Business District, giving passengers a faster and more reliable way to reach the city centre.

Kenya Railways announced the launch on Monday, September 15, noting that the new service will operate on a set schedule and offer multiple daily trips.

The move is expected to ease the long delays that have been a common frustration for commuters relying on road transport.

“What if getting from the Mombasa Terminus to Mombasa CBD was simple? What if the journey took minutes, not hours? What if the train did the work for you? On 17th September 2025, those what-ifs become reality as the Mombasa Commuter Rail Service is set to be officially commissioned by President William Ruto. Mombasa is about to move differently. COMMISSIONING OF THE MOMBASA COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE FROM MOMBASA (SGR) TERMINUS TO MOMBASA RAILWAY STATION (CBD). HE Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, 17 September 2025,” the X post read.

The project has been under preparation for several years to ease the heavy congestion on Mombasa’s roads, particularly the busy Changamwe–Miritini corridor.

The 16.6-kilometre line includes 2.8 kilometres of newly constructed track and 13.8 kilometres of rehabilitated line, linking communities along the route to the heart of Mombasa.

The announcement comes just days after Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir inspected the line.

He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga during the visit on September 6. Chirchir said the project would enhance mobility for thousands of residents each day.

“The works will facilitate connectivity of the line between the SGR line and the station here so that we can facilitate seamless movement of people,” he said.

According to government projections, the line will serve an estimated 4,000 passengers daily. Communities such as Shimanzi, Changamwe and Mazeras are expected to benefit directly, as the rail service will provide a safe, efficient and affordable alternative to matatus and private cars.

The new service has also been designed with convenience in mind. It will feature “Park and Ride” and “Drop and Ride” facilities, offering parking for more than 100 vehicles at the terminus.

This will allow passengers to leave their cars behind and complete their journey by train. Fares have been set at an affordable Ksh 50 between Island Station and Changamwe-Jomvu, making the train accessible to a wide range of commuters.

Kenya Railways has also worked to align the commuter rail schedule with the Madaraka Express, ensuring smooth connections for travellers arriving from Nairobi or other parts of the country.

When the express service arrives at the Miritini SGR station, passengers will be able to board the commuter train directly into the CBD without the need to navigate congested roads.

Officials say the project is more than just a transport solution. It is part of a larger plan to modernise Kenya’s railway network, cut down on carbon emissions, and provide efficient urban transport in line with the government’s long-term development goals.

The Mombasa service follows a similar model to the Nairobi Commuter Rail, which has been expanded in recent years to ease traffic in the capital.

By the time the trains begin operations this week, Mombasa residents will have access to a service that could transform the way they move around the city.