Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway passenger traffic rises 10.3%

Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) experienced growth in both passenger and freight traffic during the first half of 2026. According to provisional data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), passenger volume reached approximately 1.31 million between January and June 2026, a 10.3 per cent increase from the 1.19 million recorded during the same period in 2025.

This rise in passenger numbers occurred despite a 50 per cent fare hike implemented in January 2024. The demand is attributed to domestic commuters and international tourists traveling to Mombasa who prioritize the speed and convenience of the rail service over road transport.

Freight operations also saw significant expansion, with cargo volumes rising to approximately 4.1 million tonnes, up from 3.56 million tonnes in the first half of 2025. Cargo operations generated roughly $70.9 million in revenue, compared to $68.1 million in the previous year. The Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) attributed the freight performance to increased daily operations, improved scheduling, optimized rolling stock, and additional cargo handling equipment at the Port of Mombasa.