Crisis
stares at Likoni ferry channel after Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) put on hold
services for two ferries. According to KFS officials, MV Nyayo and MV Likoni
got withdrawn following mechanical issues.
Close
sources revealed that MV Likoni had its propeller damaged.
"Workers
tried to fix it, [propeller], but they did not succeed. The management is now
contemplating to send the vessel to African Maritime and General Engineering
(Amgeco) for repairs," revealed an anonymous KFS official.
Since
Monday, MV Likoni was nowhere to be found, with close sources revealing that it
was undergoing repairs and expected to resume soon, while MV Nyayo was grounded
on Tuesday. This was in attempt to allow for its maintenance as earlier on
stated.
"This
is, therefore, to advise you where to avoid necessary rush hours to avoid in
any delays. The company subsequently appeals for patience and understanding
during this period," read a past statement by KFS.
With the
channel having only three operational ferries on Wednesday, travelers have had
to endure for many hours to cross, with the officials from KFS finding a hard
time to control users rushing to work in the morning hours.
"It
was chaotic in the morning. The situation is now a bit calm. Everyone was
rushing to get a ferry," reported an officer who was handling the morning
situation.
The two
grounded ferries add to MV Harambee whose services were suspended in September
2019, following a tragedy that left mother and daughter dead. KFS now heavily
relies on MV Jambo.
Reportedly,
engineers were working on final touches for MV Safari in Turkey, before its
dispatch on Kenyan water masses. The ferry would have been delivered in January
2020, were it not for the delayed installations.