On October 28, CMA CGM, a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, inaugurated its first freight train service between the port of Mombasa and the container inner terminal (ICD) of Nairobi-Embakasi. Composed of 54 wagons and offering a capacity of 108 EVP (twenty-foot equivalent), this service strengthens the connection between Kenya’s main maritime gateway and its domestic logistics network.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Mohamed Daghar, Senior Secretary for Transport at the Kenyan Ministry of Roads and Transport; His Excellency Wadid Benaabou, Ambassador of France to Kenya; Captain William K. Ruto, Executive Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA); by Philip J. Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC); Naveen Prabhu, Deputy Regional Director of CMA CGM for East Africa; and Benjamin Coston, General Manager of the East Africa Cluster of CMA CGM.
Naveen Prabhu, Deputy Regional Director of CMA CGM for East Africa, says: « The launch of this service is an important step for CMA CGM in Kenya. Our ambition is to strengthen connectivity between shipping, ports and inland economies. This project is also based on a partnership with the Kenyan government, the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Railways and our customers. It reflects our long-term commitment to Kenya and our desire to contribute to the country’s growth by connecting people, businesses and opportunities. «
A rail link between Mombasa and Nairobi
Initially, the service will transport imported containers from Mombasa to Nairobi-Embakasi, with one dedicated train per week. This initial phase will allow CMA CGM to assess customer demand and study the possibilities of increasing the frequency of service and setting up a return train to Mombasa.
By integrating rail freight with its maritime services, CMA CGM expands the transport solutions offered to its customers to transport their goods between international markets and the main economic centers of the interior of Kenya. This service was developed in cooperation with the KPA and the KRC.
Invest in local skills and communities
The presence of CMA CGM in Kenya goes beyond transport infrastructure. The Group develops internal logistics solutions complementary to its maritime services, in particular with the Kilima service, while contributing to the development of local skills through the renewal of its partnership with the Bandari Maritime Academy. This partnership participates in the training of the next generation of Kenyan maritime and logistics professionals.
Mohamed Daghar, Senior Secretary for Transport at the Kenyan Ministry of Roads and Transport, says: « The development of effective links between the port of Mombasa and the economic centers in the interior of the country is essential to strengthen Kenya’s logistics chain. Partnerships between maritime and rail transport players make it possible to better connect infrastructures, companies and markets. This initiative illustrates the importance of cooperation between public and private actors to support trade and economic development in the country. «
On the occasion of the inauguration, the Kenyan authorities and the French Ambassador also visited the CMA CGM PALMYRE, a ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), illustrating the Group’s actions to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime transport.
Support local development with the CMA CGM Foundation
CMA CGM also supports local development through the CMA CGM Foundation. Since 2023, the Foundation has been supporting the Kenyan Red Cross NGO in the development of the I.O.Me001 innovation center in Mombasa, to which it has donated 11 converted maritime containers. The center is dedicated to entrepreneurship and computer programming. In 2025, it brought together 15 institutions and more than 1,200 students. In partnership with the French Embassy in Kenya, the Foundation provides seven additional containers to increase its capacity.
The CMA CGM Foundation also supports the renovation of the University of Nairobi football field, alongside the University and the French Development Agency (AFD). This project aims to respond to the challenges of climate change and benefit nearly 50,000 students.
