The Kenyan government is expected to launch its first modern passenger train services between Mombasa and Nairobi on May 31, giving much needed boost to tourism at the coast.

The standard gauge railway project, which was completed early this year, cost Ksh327 billion ($31,65 million).

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to flag off the maiden passenger train trip at the marshaling yard in Mombasa port.

In the initial stages, one passenger train will be operating daily trips from Mombasa to Nairobi and return from Nairobi to Mombasa. According to Kenya Railways MD Atanas Maina, the frequencies might be reviewed depending on passenger demand. He added that the train would be transporting 1 200 passengers from Mombasa to Nairobi and then make a return trip with the same passenger capacity. The journey will take four and a half hours each way.

Travelers will have a choice of boarding the train on first and economy class while premier business class will be introduced in December this year.

Kenya Coast Tourism Association Chairman, Mohamed Hersi, pointed out that the modern passenger train services would be a game changer to the tourism industry at the coast.

He added that both local and international tourists will be travelling by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa for leisure in the seaside resort towns of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu and Kilifi.

“Apart from beach holidays, tourists travelling by train from Nairobi will easily access both Tsavo West and East national parks for game drives,” Hersi explained.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast Branch Executive Officer, Sam Ikwaye, says the modern train services will increase accessibility between Nairobi and Mombasa.

“We expect tourist numbers to increase at the Kenya coast as visitors will be travelling to the region by rail, road and air."