Likoni Channel to Get Two New Ferries

Infrastructure Principal Secretary, Engineer John Mosonik, said the two ferries will be procured at a cost of Sh1.7 billion to ease movement of goods and people between the south coast and the City of Mombasa.

This comes amidst a glare of sharp criticism on the Likoni Ferry Service for doing little to decongest transport into and out of Mombasa.

There have been reports of frequent delays caused by the stalling of ferries along the Likoni channel due to mechanical malfunctions.

DECOMMISSIONED FERIES

The two will replace two ferries, namely MV Mvita and MV Pwani, that were decommissioned in 2012.

This will also increase the number of ferries plying the Likoni channel to seven.

Speaking during this announcement, Infrastructure PS also added that he has instructed the management to ensure that safety is a priority in terms of the clients or passengers on their vessels.

Security has also taken centre stage at the ferry crossing, with scanners and CCTV cameras now in place.

The Likoni channel is a short sea route that links Mombasa island to the south coast and every day an estimated 300,000 people and 6000 vehicles board the ferry to cross the channel.

By Wangui Ngechu