Mombasa: The rehabilitation of the Mombasa Island-Miritini Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) line and the construction of the Mombasa MGR station have been completed, paving the way for its commissioning by the Head of State in mid-September. The development marks a significant milestone in enhancing transport infrastructure in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, which began in 2022, faced delays due to land acquisition challenges. To address these obstacles, the Ministry of Transport allocated Sh1.1 billion to the National Land Commission (NLC) for compensation, enabling the project to reach completion. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, during an inspection tour, highlighted that the commuter train is anticipated to transport 4,000 people daily, thereby reducing road traffic congestion and improving traffic flow.
The project is ready for operation, and upon its official launch, passengers utilizing the Madaraka Express passenger service train and the seven stations along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), whether arriving or departing from Mombasa, will have access to the MGR line to the Mombasa CBD station. Chirchir emphasized that the works will enhance connectivity between the SGR line and the Mombasa station, facilitating the movement of people.
The second phase of the project includes the rehabilitation of the Mombasa Central Railway Station and the construction of four mini-stations in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini, and Shimanzi. Additionally, the project features a pedestrian bridge linking the SGR and MGR platforms, a locomotive turntable, and a railway bridge stretching 480 meters across the Makupa Causeway.
Chirchir noted that there has been an investment of over Sh6 billion in infrastructure and supporting facilities, with the railway line itself costing approximately Sh3.4 billion. Accompanied by Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar and Kenya Railways Corporation Managing Director Philip Mainga, the CS reiterated the government’s focus on last-mile railway connections to enhance traveler convenience.
The new railway line, originating from Miritini, is expected to benefit small-scale traders who frequent the island and Kongowea market for products. The commuter train will offer Mombasa residents an alternative mode of transport, alleviating pressure on road transport.
This commuter rail is part of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT) being implemented by the Ministry of Roads and Transport, which also includes the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) to ensure secure and efficient travel. Additionally, Chirchir announced the commencement of a bypass construction at the Kwa Jomvu junction after an eight-year delay, with the Kwa Jomvu-Mariakani works making good progress.
NLC has allocated Sh300 million to compensate Project Affected Persons (PAPs) in the Sh10 billion Lot One Mombasa, Kwa Jomvu Highway project, which is now 94 percent complete. The project had previously stalled at the Jomvu Kuu junction due to a prolonged land acquisition dispute. For the Nyali-Mtwapa road, Sh4 billion has been released to compensate PAPs.