Block containers being transported by train from Mombasa to Nairobi/FILEThe Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) freight service has achieved its highest-ever monthly cargo haul, marking a major milestone in the country’s rail transport.
According to data released by the Kenya Railways Corporation
(KRC), the SGR moved an unprecedented 640,000 metric tonnes of goods in October
2025—the largest monthly volume recorded since the service began operations
in 2017.
“To put it in perspective, that haul is roughly equivalent to taking 23,000 trucks off Kenya’s highways, significantly easing road congestion and highlighting the railway’s growing role in freight transport,” KRC said in a statement.
The record tonnage included both containerised cargo and conventional bulk shipments, reflecting a diversified freight portfolio and growing confidence among clients in rail logistics.
The achievement exceeded Kenya Railways’ internal targets and underscored the SGR’s expanding footprint in regional supply chains.
Officials attributed the strong performance to improved
collaboration with clients, streamlined scheduling, and enhanced operational
efficiency at key terminals in Mombasa, Nairobi, and Naivasha.
“Moving over 640,000 tonnes in a single month underscores the SGR’s increasing importance in Kenya’s supply chain by providing a more efficient alternative to road haulage for large volumes of goods,” KRC noted.
“This milestone demonstrates the resilience of our operations and the value of continuous investment in modern rail infrastructure.”
Analysts say the surge in freight volumes comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to strengthen its logistics backbone to support economic growth, regional trade, and the movement of goods across the East African corridor.
With more businesses opting for rail over road, the SGR’s success is seen as a key driver of reduced transport costs, lower carbon emissions, and improved turnaround times for importers and exporters.
The October performance follows other positive indicators for the SGR in 2025.
In August, the KRC reported that the number of passengers ferried by the railway rose 5.4 percent in the first half of the year, reversing a decline recorded in 2024.
Between January and June 2025, the SGR carried 1.18 million passengers, up from 1.12 million during the same period in 2024, despite a 50 percent fare increase implemented at the start of last year to offset rising fuel and maintenance costs.
Since its launch in June 2017, the Chinese-built SGR has transported nearly 16 million passengers and millions of tonnes of cargo, drastically cutting travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa from seven to five hours.
The service has become a vital artery for Kenya’s economy, improving the flow of goods to the hinterland and neighbouring countries such as Uganda while boosting tourism and regional integration.
