Mombasa to get Sh644m ferries by end of March

By Patrick Beja

Two modern ferries will arrive at Mombasa from Germany by end of March this year.

The vessels, that cost the Government Sh644 million (5,904,964 euros) each, will come as a relief to more than 180,000 passengers crossing the Likoni channel daily.

Just like with roads, pedestrian and vehicle traffic has grown at the Likoni channel, posing a major challenge.

The ferries have been under construction in Dresden for the past one year, and are due for transportation to Hamburg, where they are expected to be loaded for shipment to Mombasa on February 27.

But it has dawned that the new ferries may present new challenges for Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) and the Government.

High costs

The Government must cough out more cash to expand the existing ferry landing for new ferries.

The cost on both sides of Likoni channel is reported to run into millions of shillings. Today, the landing ramps allow only two ferries to land at a time and this cannot clear the crowds during peak hours.

When the two new ferries are delivered, KFS will be operating a total of seven vessels.

KFS acting Managing Director Isaac Kamau, last week admitted landing ramps would have to be expanded.

"We have requested for funds from the Government to expand the ferry landing infrastructure to accommodate at least three ferries at a time," said Kamau. Ferry approaches are also said to be narrow for smooth flow of heavy human and vehicle traffic.

Once the two vessels arrive, KFS will the old vessels for long maintenance such as dry docking.

KFS Chairman Joseph Kahindi Kingi said the old vessels would be taken to the dry docks for repairs. This could last up to three months.

 

Read all about: Mombasa Likoni channel Kenya Ferry Services

 

 

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