Field notes: Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)

The Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway is a flagship railway project built to replace the century-old metre-gauge line connecting Kenya's two largest cities. The 472 km line was constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) at a cost of approximately $3.8 billion, making it the most expensive infrastructure project in Kenyan history. The railway operates the Madaraka Express passenger service, reducing travel time from over 10 hours to roughly 4.5 hours, and carries significant freight volumes previously transported by road.

A 472 km modern railway connecting Kenya's largest port city to its capital in under five hours.

What the project is trying to do

1. 1Replace the aging metre-gauge railway with a modern standard gauge line
2. 2Reduce travel time between Mombasa and Nairobi from 10+ hours to under 5 hours
3. 3Shift freight transport from congested roads to rail, targeting 40% of corridor freight
4. 4Lower the cost of goods transport to boost regional competitiveness
5. 5Serve as Phase 1 of a broader East African railway network linking to Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan
6. 6Create employment opportunities during construction and long-term operations

What it means for people nearby

The SGR has carried over 10 million passengers since its launch and transported millions of tonnes of cargo, significantly reducing road congestion on the Mombasa–Nairobi corridor. The project created an estimated 46,000 jobs during construction, with over 25,000 going to Kenyan workers. Freight costs on the corridor have dropped by approximately 60% compared to road haulage, boosting Kenya's trade competitiveness.

Where it stands

2024: Full Kenyan Operations. Kenya Railways assumed full management of both passenger and freight operations on the SGR. Current status: Completed.