Payment delays stall new Likoni ferries arrival

The arrival of two new ferries at the Likoni channel will be delayed to April 2017 after the government failed to release funds for their purchase.

According to the Kenya Ferry Service, the government had allocated Sh1.1 billion for the two ferries and repairs to the existing ones, but failure to release the funds had set back the production and delivery schedule.

KFS had already made an advance payment but a letter of credit sent to the Turkish manufacturer did not arrive on time, stalling production.

This is expected to further strain operations at the Likoni crossing channel with the aging ferries prone to breakdown.

KFS Managing Director Bakari Gowa said the state agency is in talks with the manufacturer to have the delay shortened to ease transport between the Mombasa main island and those heading to Kwale.

“Based on the projection it will be late by another three to four months but we are still working with them to push the possibility of having that duration shortened,” Mr Gowa said.

The management team was in Turkey last week talking to the manufacture Tersanececik Limited.

At peak time, Kenya Ferry serves more than 12,000 passengers per hour with an average of 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles relying on the five ferries to cross the 500 meter channel.

Currently KFS operates four ferries, the MV Likoni, Nyayo, Kilindini and Kwale.

The new ferries will have two rescue boats fitted with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) for the safety of passengers and prevention of crime on the vessels.

The new ferries will also have washrooms for passengers.

The government is at the same time constructing the Dongo Kundu by pass to serve as an alternative route for travelers heading to the south coast.

Stakeholders are also reviewing the possibility of building a bridge to link the north and south coast to ease cargo and passenger movement.