Frequent breakdowns and congestion trigger fresh demands for new ferries at Likoni crossing

By Nuru Salim

A wave of discontent is brewing among commuters and small-scale traders using the Likoni ferry crossing in Mombasa, as they call on the national government to collaborate with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to urgently acquire new ferries.

This comes days after major disruptions caused by ferry breakdowns, congestion, and rising safety concerns.

The deteriorating state of ferry services has triggered public outcry, with users citing frequent mechanical failures, overcrowding, and unsafe boarding conditions.

These tensions have escalated due to a series of incidents, including the stalling of ferries mid-transit, chaotic altercations between pedestrians and security personnel, and reports of ferries veering off-course due to technical malfunctions.

Residents have accused KPA, which took over management of the Kenya Ferry, of failing to maintain operational standards.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the legitimacy of ferry licenses, with locals alleging that none of the vessels currently in use have valid safety operating permits.

“Since KPA took over, the situation has worsened,” said Zigilangi, one of the concerned commuters. “We know very well that none of these ferries have up-to-date safety licenses. They are risking the lives of thousands every day.” He added.

Of the seven ferries stationed at the crossing, only MV Jambo and MV Safar remain operational though even their performance has been heavily criticized.

Commuters report sluggish movement and mechanical unreliability, likening the state of the vessels to road vehicles that would have long been condemned by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

“These ferries are so dilapidated and slow, if they were vehicles, NTSA would have scrapped them by now,” lamented Zigilani. “Every time we board, we pray for safer transportation” He added.

Local traders operating near the ferry have also joined the calls for reform. They are appealing to the government to construct safer, designated trading areas to protect them from the ferry’s chaotic environment stating that they have abandoned criminal activities to embrace legal income, only to be ignored by local leaders.

Johnson Arodi, a vendor along the Likoni-LungaLunga road lamented that the congestion of cars and commuters along the road has led him to close his business due to safety concerns.

‘’I used to hold my business on the mainland side and due to constant misconduct among the commuters and vehicles especially during peak hours, I decided to close my business.  The national government together with the county government should set aside a place where we will comfortably hold our businesses.’’ Johnson Arodi stated.

‘’Adding vessels on this channel will also ease congestion and create better environment for businesses near the crossing channel because everyday the number of commuters increase and to avoid recurring issues, the number of vessels need to also be increased.’’ Arodi added.

The crossing channel is used by over 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily, leading to heavy congestion. At peak hours, the ferry service can handle more than 12,000 passengers per hour.