Court stops Turkish firm from manufacturing ferries for Kenya

The Mombasa High Court has temporarily stopped a Turkish firm from continuing with the construction of two ferries citing massive breach of contract provisions in terms of quality and security measures of the water vessels.

In a case filed by Marine Consultants, Bonriz Marine Surveyors Limited, the firm argues that Ozata Shipyard Company completely disregarded the terms it signed with the Kenya Ferry Services on June 27, 2017.

According to the complainant, the cost of manufacturing the two ferries was hiked by Ksh32.5 million, inflating the total cost to Ksh1.9 billion without the stakeholders involved.

Additionally, the Marine Consultants argue that the engines of the new ferries, MV Jambo and MV Safari, have been constructed using rust materials and the designs agreed upon overlooked, something that is catastrophic to the safety of the vessels.

In putting the process to a halt, presiding Judge Erick Ogolla ordered the Turkish firm to stop the construction until such a time when the case will be determined.

The two ferries, which were to be a game-changer in reducing traffic, are expected to have a seating capacity of 1,391 passengers, a designated area for disabled persons as well as a place for pregnant mothers, as opposed to the ones currently operating in Likoni Ferry.

The case will be heard on July 25.

By Asha Bekidusa