Kenya Railways has launched a dedicated vehicle freight service on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), offering car dealers, importers and travellers an alternative to transporting vehicles by road between Mombasa and Nairobi, with onward connections to Naivasha.
The service was unveiled following the arrival of its inaugural consignment at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot, marking a new expansion of rail freight operations beyond the conventional movement of containers and bulk cargo.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga said the service followed trials conducted since last year and was aimed at providing a safer, faster and more cost-effective option for businesses moving vehicles in large numbers.
“These are very exciting times for the railway business in Kenya,” Mainga said.
The inaugural consignment was transported in partnership with vehicle dealer Autobarn East Africa, which plans to move about 700 vehicles monthly from Mombasa to Nairobi using the service.
Mainga urged more players in the motor vehicle industry, including importers and clearing agents, to take up the service as the corporation seeks to expand its freight business.
“We are calling on importers and clearing agents to work with us,” he said.
Vehicles will be transported using specialised freight wagons, each with a capacity of six cars.
The arrangement is expected to ease the movement of imported vehicles from the Port of Mombasa to dealerships and distribution centres in Nairobi and other destinations.
Mainga said rail transport would give businesses an alternative to relying entirely on long-distance road haulage, while reducing the number of vehicles making lengthy journeys on highways.
“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 added that the service would help preserve the condition of vehicles during transit by reducing exposure to dirt and possible dents associated with road transportation.
Transit time between Mombasa and Nairobi is expected to be about eight hours, compared with more than a day by road, according to the corporation.
Kenya Railways is also eyeing the regional market, targeting vehicle importers and traders dealing with neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania.
Beyond commercial freight, the service will be open to holidaymakers travelling between Nairobi, Naivasha and Mombasa.
Under the arrangement, travellers can have their personal vehicles transported by rail and collect them at their destination, avoiding the need to drive the entire distance.
They can also use the service for return journeys.
Mainga said the option could help reduce fatigue among motorists undertaking long-distance journeys, potentially contributing to efforts to curb road accidents.
The launch comes as Kenya Railways seeks to diversify its services and increase the use of the SGR for passenger and freight transport.
