Crisis at Likoni channel as two more ferries grounded

The ferry shortage has now affected thousands of commuters who cross the channel on a daily basis. [Courtesy]

There is a major crisis at Likoni crossing channel following the withdrawal of two more ferries on Monday leaving only three ferries in operations.

A source at Kenya Ferry services told the Standard Digital that the propeller of MV Kilindini, the oldest vessel is faulty.

MV Kilindini only ferries light vehicles and is not allowed to ferry passengers as it can sink anytime, the source said.

"The MV Kilindini has structural weaknesses and can't withstand rough ocean currents." 

MV Likoni was also withdrawn due to mechanical problems.

This makes the number of ferries grounded at the jetty base near Kenya ferry main offices three after DPP Noordin Haji ordered the suspension of MV Harambee from which a car carrying a woman and her daughter plunged into the ocean in October last year.

The ferry shortage has now affected thousands of commuters who cross the channel on a daily basis since only three ferries, MV Jambo, MV Kwale and MV Kilindini are now operating.

For instance, stampedes have been witnessed during peak hours for the last four days as thousands of passengers scrambled to get into the vessel.

Police had to be deployed to control the crowd after private security officials hired by the company were overpowered.

Our efforts to get a comment from the KFS communication officer Aron Mutiso were futile after he disconnected the phone call. 

Mutiso would not pick our calls afterwards.