Kenya Railways has introduced a dedicated vehicle freight service on the Standard Gauge Railway, providing car dealers, importers, and travelers with an alternative to road transport between Mombasa and Nairobi, with extended connections to Naivasha.
The service was officially rolled out following the arrival of its first shipment at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot, representing a significant extension of rail freight capabilities past standard container and bulk cargo movement.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga noted that the offering came after testing phases initiated last year and was designed to deliver a secure, rapid, and economical choice for commercial vehicle transport.
These are very exciting times for the railway business in Kenya, Mainga said.
The initial shipment was handled in collaboration with vehicle dealer Autobarn East Africa, which intends to shift approximately 700 vehicles per month from Mombasa to Nairobi through the system.
Mainga encouraged additional stakeholders in the automotive sector, such as importers and clearing agents, to utilize the facility as the corporation broadens its cargo operations.
We are calling on importers and clearing agents to work with us, he said.
Automobiles will be hauled via specialized freight wagons, each designed to hold six cars.
This logistics framework should streamline the transfer of imported cars from the Port of Mombasa to showrooms and distribution hubs in Nairobi and alternative locations.
Mainga stated that rail carriage would grant enterprises a substitute to complete dependence on long-haul road transport, simultaneously decreasing highway traffic.
Instead of relying entirely on road transportation, customers can now explore rail as an option for moving their vehicles safely and efficiently. It also reduces the number of vehicles on long-distance road journeys, he said.
He further mentioned that the transport method would maintain vehicle quality during transit by minimizing exposure to road grime and potential minor damages typical of driving long distances.
Transit duration between Mombasa and Nairobi should approximate eight hours, contrasting with over a day via roadways, based on corporate estimates.
Kenya Railways additionally focuses on regional trade, aiming at vehicle importers and merchants serving adjacent nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Aside from commercial cargo, the option will remain accessible to tourists commuting among Nairobi, Naivasha, and Mombasa.
Through this setup, individuals can ship their personal cars via train and retrieve them upon arrival, bypassing the requirement to drive the entire route.
Customers may likewise employ the system for round trips.
Mainga remarked that this alternative might alleviate driver exhaustion during lengthy trips, aiding initiatives aimed at reducing highway collisions.
The debut arrives as Kenya Railways pursues service diversification and broader adoption of the SGR network for passenger and cargo transit.