The new service is expected to transport 700 vehicles monthly, providing importers and motorists with an alternative to long-distance road transportation
Kenya Railways is expanding its freight services with the introduction of its first-ever vehicle haulage service, offering motorists and vehicle importers an alternative way to transport vehicles between Mombasa and Nairobi.
The service is aimed at providing a safer, faster and more efficient means of moving vehicles between the two cities, while reducing the reliance on road transportation.
The inaugural train departed the Port of Mombasa on 29 October 2026 and arrived at the Inland Container Depot in Embakasi within eight hours. It carried 21 vehicles on four specially fabricated car carrier wagons, alongside 34 flatbed wagons transporting shipping containers.
“The introduction of the car carrier service is an important milestone in our efforts to diversify and strengthen rail freight services. Our target is to transport 700 vehicles per month through this service. Beyond providing a safe, reliable and efficient means of vehicle transportation, the service will contribute to decongesting our roads, reducing road wear and tear and minimising vehicle mileage for our customers. We encourage vehicle importers, manufacturers and members of the public to take advantage of this service,” said Kenya Railways Managing Director, Philip J. Mainga, EBS.
Mainga said the service would give vehicle owners an opportunity to move their vehicles over long distances without adding unnecessary mileage or exposing them to the wear and tear associated with road transportation. It is also expected to ease pressure on major road corridors by shifting some vehicle movements from road to rail.
The car carrier wagons can accommodate different vehicle makes, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Mazda and Daihatsu. Customers will also have access to additional services such as insurance, vehicle lashing and securing, as well as customs processing.