Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has introduced a vehicle freight service that runs on the Standard Gauge Railway between Mombasa and Nairobi, with further connections to Naivasha.
The launch took place at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot on Friday, where the first consignment was received, and Managing Director Philip Mainga said the operation represents a new phase for vehicle transport in Kenya.
Mainga added that the railway has been conducting trials since the previous year and described the moment as “very exciting times for the railway business in Kenya.”
The inaugural shipment was carried out together with vehicle dealer Autobarn East Africa, and KRC is urging additional importers and clearing agents to join the scheme, saying “We are calling on importers and clearing agents to work with us.”
Vehicles are loaded onto specialised wagons that can hold six cars each, and Autobarn intends to move roughly 700 vehicles each month from Mombasa to Nairobi using the new line.
According to Mainga, the service provides a safe, efficient and cost-effective alternative for dealers, importers, distributors and other businesses that need to move vehicles in bulk.
He explained that rail transport keeps cars clean and free from dents common on roads, and cuts the journey time from over a day by road to about eight hours by rail, noting “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.”
The offering will also be open to holidaymakers travelling between Nairobi, Naivasha and Mombasa, allowing passengers to have their personal cars shipped on the SGR and collected at the destination for the return leg.
Mainga said the option could lower fatigue-related road accidents by encouraging motorists to avoid long-distance driving.
