Get breaking business news on WhatsApp
Kenya Railways has launched an SGR vehicle freight service that moves cars by rail from Mombasa to Nairobi, with an onward link to Naivasha. The first consignment arrived at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot on Friday, October 30, 2026, KBC reported.
The inaugural load was moved for vehicle dealer Autobarn East Africa, which plans to send about 700 vehicles a month from Mombasa to Nairobi by rail. Kenya Railways has been running trials since last year.
How the SGR vehicle freight service works
- Wagons: specialised car-carrier wagons, each holding six vehicles.
- Route: Mombasa to the Nairobi Inland Container Depot, with an onward connection to Naivasha.
- Transit time: about eight hours, compared with more than a day by road, according to Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga.
- Condition on arrival: Kenya Railways says cars arrive without the dust and dents common on long road hauls.
Kenya Railways has not published a tariff for the service. Importers and clearing agents are being asked to contact the corporation directly.
Who can use it?
Mainga named three groups:
- Dealers and importers moving new or used vehicles inland from the port in bulk. This is the main target.
- Regional traders shipping cars on to the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania.
- Holidaymakers travelling between Nairobi, Naivasha and Mombasa, who can put their own car on the train, ride the passenger service, and collect the car on arrival, then do the same for the return trip.
For passengers, that pairs with the regular Madaraka Express. See our guides on how to book SGR tickets online and SGR economy vs first class fares.
What it means for car importers
Most imported used cars land in Mombasa and are driven or trucked up the Mombasa–Nairobi highway. Rail gives importers another option that could cut transit damage and road risk. Duty is unchanged, so your landed cost still depends on the items in our car import duty rates guide; the rail leg only replaces the inland transport cost. If you are bringing in a car yourself, our step-by-step on how to import a car into Kenya covers the paperwork.
The service also takes long-haul car carriers off the highway, which Kenya Railways says will ease congestion on one of the busiest roads in the region.
Why rail freight is growing
Moving more cargo by rail has been a government aim since the SGR opened, and Kenya Railways has been adding services beyond containers. Vehicles are a natural fit: they are high-value, easily damaged on long road trips, and arrive at Mombasa in large batches. A dealer moving 700 cars a month by road needs dozens of car-carrier truck trips; by rail, the same volume fits into about 117 wagon loads at six cars each. Mainga said the corporation wants more motor traders to sign up, which suggests capacity is available now.
FAQ
How long does SGR vehicle freight take from Mombasa to Nairobi?
About eight hours, according to Kenya Railways, compared with more than a day by road.
How many cars fit on one SGR wagon?
Each specialised wagon carries six vehicles.
Can I send my personal car on the SGR?
Yes. Kenya Railways says holidaymakers travelling between Nairobi, Naivasha and Mombasa can have their own car moved by SGR and collect it on arrival.
How much does SGR vehicle freight cost?
Kenya Railways has not published a public tariff. Contact Kenya Railways directly for a quote.
Updated October 31, 2026.
Related: Kenya Airways moves duty-free shopping online from November 1 with 40-day pre-orders
Related: CMA CGM launches weekly Mombasa–Nairobi SGR container train for importers
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
