SGR Cargo Volumes Surge 40% in Q1 2025, Signaling Strong Demand

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) has reported a remarkable 40 percent increase in cargo transportation during the first quarter of 2025, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Kenya Railways Corporation. This significant surge underscores the growing demand for the SGR’s freight services.

The report revealed that the SGR successfully transported a total of 1.82 million tonnes of cargo between January and March 2025, a substantial rise from the 1.3 million tonnes recorded during the corresponding period last year. This performance highlights the SGR’s resilience and efficiency in navigating the dynamic logistical landscape.

A month-by-month breakdown indicates a peak in cargo haulage in March, with the railway moving an impressive 636,724 tonnes. January saw a near-identical volume of 634,034 tonnes, while February recorded 549,818 tonnes.

The passenger service also experienced a significant boost in revenue, climbing to Ksh. 3.82 billion (approximately USD 29.5 million) in the first quarter of 2025, up from USD 25 million in the same period in 2024. Notably, revenue from the Madaraka Express passenger service alone rose to USD 7.24 million, a considerable jump from the USD 4.39 million generated in the first quarter of the previous year.

This growth in passenger revenue has been largely attributed to the introduction of premium class coaches, which command a one-way ticket price of Ksh. 12,000. These luxurious additions appear to have attracted a segment of travelers willing to pay a premium for enhanced comfort and service.

The strong performance in both cargo and passenger services in the first quarter of 2025 signals a positive trajectory for the SGR and its crucial role in Kenya’s transportation infrastructure and economic development. The Kenya Railways Corporation expressed optimism about sustaining this growth momentum throughout the remainder of the year.