State pledges two new ferries next month

By Patrick Beja

The Government is upbeat the two new ferries acquired in Germany for Sh1 billion will be shipped home soon.

The ferries will, however, have to go through a mandatory testing, hence the delay.

The Ministry of Transport and Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) Monday said Mv Likoni and Mv Kwale, which were built in Dresden, are in Hamburg for final testing.

"This is a crucial stage in the construction of the vessels as it is the final process in meeting the safety requirements for seaworthiness," said a statement from the ministry.

Acting KFS Managing Director Isaac Kamau said the two ferries would be shipped to Mombasa immediately after the tests, which are scheduled for March 23 to 26.

Mr Kamau said KFS had dispatched technicians to Germany, on Friday, for onboard training in readiness for the vessels at Likoni channel.

Early this year, he said KFS sent another eleven workers to Germany for training on operationing the new ferries.