Shipping group CMA CGM launched its first dedicated full block train service in Kenya on Wednesday, according to a company statement published by AllAfrica. The train runs between the Port of Mombasa and the Nairobi-Embakasi Inland Container Depot (ICD). It has 54 wagons and can carry 108 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
At first, the service will carry containerised imports from Mombasa to Nairobi-Embakasi. One train will run each week. The company said this phase will help it measure customer demand. It will then decide whether to add more trains and a return service to Mombasa.
CMA CGM developed the service with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC). Guests at the launch included Transport PS Mohamed Daghar and French Ambassador Wadid Benaabou. KPA CEO Capt. William K. Ruto and KRC Managing Director Philip Mainga also attended.
Naveen Prabhu, CMA CGM's Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, called the launch an important milestone for the company in Kenya. He said the project reflects a long-term commitment to the country and a partnership with the government, KPA, Kenya Railways and customers.
Daghar said efficient links between the Port of Mombasa and inland economic centres are essential to Kenya's logistics chain. He said the project shows the value of cooperation between public and private players in supporting trade.
During the event, Kenyan officials and the French ambassador also visited the CMA CGM PALMYRE, a vessel powered by liquefied natural gas. The company said it also runs inland services such as Kilima. It has also renewed a training partnership with Bandari Maritime Academy.
CMA CGM describes itself as the world's third-largest shipping company. It says it serves more than 420 ports with a fleet of over 700 vessels. It carried more than 24 million TEUs in 2025.