MADARAKA EXPRESS AT 8: KENYA RAILWAYS MARKS MILESTONE IN TRANSFORMING TRANSPORT AND TRADE.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
Nairobi, Kenya — June 11, 2025
Kenya Railways today marked the 8th anniversary of the Madaraka Express service, celebrating its transformative impact on the country’s transport system, economy, and regional trade.
Launched in 2017, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has become a cornerstone of Kenya’s modern infrastructure. It offers faster, safer, and more efficient movement of people and cargo, providing a vital alternative to road transport across the country.
One of the key successes of the SGR has been the Madaraka Express Freight Service, which has transported over 39.78 million tonnes of cargo since its inception. This has significantly eased congestion at the Port of Mombasa, reducing logistics costs and turnaround times, and improving the flow of goods across the region. The service has become a crucial driver of trade, supporting Kenya’s role as a regional economic hub.
The Madaraka Express Passenger Service has also been a game changer, having served more than 15.3 million passengers to date. It has revolutionized long-distance travel by offering affordable, comfortable, and secure journeys between Nairobi and Mombasa. Beyond mobility, the passenger service has spurred domestic tourism and small business growth along the rail corridor, stimulating local economies.
Kenya Railways Board Chairman, Mr. Abdi Bare (left), with Camillus Ondego (right), Business Development Manager at Bulkstream Nairobi, Kenya, during the 8th anniversary celebration of the Madaraka Express.
Speaking at the anniversary event held at the Nairobi Terminus, Kenya Railways Board Chairman Mr. Abdi Bare reflected on the achievements of the past eight years. He noted that despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the SGR has maintained a steady growth trajectory, including its extension to Naivasha in 2019.
“The Madaraka Express has not just moved people and cargo—it has moved Kenya forward,” said Mr. Bare. He emphasized Kenya Railways' commitment to expanding the network, announcing that plans to extend the SGR to Kisumu and Malaba are well underway. This expansion aims to bolster regional connectivity and support the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda under President William Ruto’s administration.
Looking to the future, Kenya Railways aims to enhance service efficiency, improve infrastructure, and solidify the SGR’s position as East Africa’s leading rail service. Mr. Bare reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to ensuring that railway transport remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economic growth.
The Madaraka Express continues to stand as a symbol of national progress—bridging distances, boosting trade, and moving Kenya toward a more connected and prosperous future.
