Surge expected on Likoni ferry as holiday makers throng Mombasa

MOMBASA, KENYA: The number of passengers using the Likoni channel is expected to rise in the coming weeks as holiday makers throng the coastal city of Mombasa.
Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) Managing Director Musa Hassan Musa said on Sunday that long queues witnessed at the passenger waiting bay last Friday was due to increase in number of people using ferries in the month of August.
"April, August, and December are high seasons for us as many people travel to Mombasa for holidays as schools are closed. We expect more users in the coming weeks and we are well prepared to handle it. We would therefore like to advise ferry users to plan well to avoid inconvenience," Mr Musa said.
According to Likoni Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Willy Simba a section of a perimeter wall was last Friday evening destroyed as passengers exerted pressure on it when they forced themselves into a ferry.
"Since only two ferries were operational three pedestrians- a female and two males- sustained injuries on hands, head and legs. They were rushed to Coast General Hospital where they were treated and are in fair conditions," Simba said at the weekend.
KFS currently deal directly with more than 300,000 passengers and over 6,000 vehicles crossing the Likoni channel between the island and the South Coast mainland daily using five vessels which include Mv Nyayo, Mv Kilindini,Mv Harambee, Mv Kwale and Mv Likoni.