Court stops testing of Sh1 billion ferry

A High Court in Mombasa has barred the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) from testing a new ferry, MV Jambo, worth Sh1 billion when she docks at the port from Turkey.

Justice Erick Ogola gave this order Friday after lifting an injunction he had issued against KFS from loading MV Jambo at the port of Yalova in Turkey to be ferried to Mombasa port.

The judge said since the ferry in question was on its voyage to Mombasa from Yalova port, he had decided to partially lift the ban to enable the vessel arrive.

Justice Ogola, however, ordered that the ferry should not be put into use after a firm contracted to inspect it raised issues over its safety.

Last week, Bonriz Insurance Marine Surveyors company successfully stopped KFS from shipping MV Jambo to Mombasa from Turkey in an exparte application. However KFS, in defence, denied claims by the firm and insisted that MV Jambo was safe.

KFS appealed to the court to reject the application and allow the construction of other ferries to go on. The judge also ordered that other ferries which were yet to be built in Turkey by Ozata Tersanecilik San Vetic company be stopped until a suit filed by Eonriz Insurance Marine Surveyors company against KFS is heard and determined. The hearing will be next Tuesday.