The inaugural train consisting of 52 wagons, including 20 wagons containing maize, left Mombasa at 05.45, and arrived at the Nairobi Inland Container Depot at 14.40, where the freight was offloaded for last mile distribution.

The standard-gauge line opened on May 31 2017, and since then has been served by two daily passenger trains, including the Madaraka Express, which is operated by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Four freight services had operated daily on the line on a trial basis ahead of the start of commercial operations.

KR is offering a rate of $US 500 for the transport of a 20-foot container on the line, and $US 700 for a 40-foot container. The minimal chargeable distance is 300km. Last mile rates are not included.