Kenya Railways has achieved a historic milestone, safely transporting 640,000 tonnes of cargo in October 2025 the highest monthly volume recorded since the launch of the Madaraka Express Freight Service in 2017.
The record-breaking performance marks a major leap in efficiency and customer confidence in Kenya’s rail logistics system, which has become a vital artery for trade between the Port of Mombasa and the hinterland.
Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga attributed the achievement to “strategic operational reforms, enhanced scheduling, and improved customer service,” noting that the agency continues to prioritize sustainability and reliability in freight transport.
“This milestone underscores the growing trust our customers have placed in rail as the preferred mode of cargo movement. We are proud to play our part in reducing congestion on our highways while ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of goods,” said Mainga.
Background: Madaraka Express Freight Service
The Madaraka Express Freight Service was launched in January 2018, a few months after the passenger service began operations in mid-2017. Operated under the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network, the freight service connects the Port of Mombasa to the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Nairobi, and later extended to Naivasha.
Initially moving an average of 160,000 tonnes per month, the service has grown steadily as businesses shifted from road to rail transport due to its reliability, lower cost per tonne, and reduced transit time — taking less than 10 hours from Mombasa to Nairobi.
Over the years, Kenya Railways has also partnered with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to streamline cargo clearance and improve turnaround times, significantly boosting throughput.
The corporation has set its sights on surpassing the 640,000-tonne monthly mark, with long-term plans to expand capacity through additional locomotives, upgraded wagons, and improved infrastructure at key depots.
Kenya Railways also plans to integrate digital cargo tracking and expand freight routes toward Kisumu and Malaba, strengthening regional trade links within the East African Community (EAC).
“Our vision is to make rail freight the backbone of Kenya’s logistics ecosystem — efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive,” said Mainga.
With this latest record, Kenya Railways continues to reaffirm its pivotal role in Kenya’s economic growth and the broader ambition to modernize the country’s transport infrastructure.
