Gov’t Contemplates Banning Vehicles On The Likoni Ferry After Double Weekend Accidents
If Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s recent comments are to be believed, the county’s transportation sector could undergo radical changes.
Governor Abdulswamad issued a statement on Sunday, October 6, calling for the cessation of vehicular traffic on ferries in order to ensure the safety of passengers.
“The County Government of Mombasa is deeply concerned about the safety of all ferry users,” the governor said in a statement.
“As a measure to prevent future accidents, we will be proposing to the National Government a cessation of vehicular traffic on the ferry. This step aims to enhance safety for both pedestrians and motorists using the ferry.”
Today, a passenger bus from CHANIA EXECUTIVE BUS COMPANY plunged into the sea at the Likoni ferry crossing. Thanks for the quick response that led to the rescue of six passengers and the driver, all of whom sustained minor injuries and were transported to Coast General Hospital. pic.twitter.com/gzopUWRJph
— Kenya Coast Guard Service (@OfficialKCGS) October 6, 2024
The governor’s proposal came after he paid a visit to some of the victims of the terrifying incident on Sunday in which a Nairobi-bound bus lost control and crashed into the Indian Ocean.
The victims were rushed to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital for medical treatment.
“I urge all residents and travellers to remain cautious during this period, as emergency teams wind up their operations at the scene,” Governor Abdulswamad added.
Earlier today, a bus traveling from Ukunda to Nairobi lost control and tipped over while disembarking from the Likoni Ferry, resulting in 9 injuries. I have personally visited the victims at the Coast General Teaching and Referral hospital to offer support and ensure they are… pic.twitter.com/wom30lpcAv
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) October 6, 2024
The governor’s concerns may have been prompted by two ferry incidents in one weekend, both involving motor vehicles.
A truck plunged into the Indian Ocean the day before the bus accident that injured nine people.
According to reports, the truck driver lost control while attempting to avoid running over passengers at the Likoni ferry crossing channel.
While there were no casualties, the incident caused significant delays at the channel.
It remains to be seen how Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) will cope if the governor’s proposal to ban vehicular traffic on the ferry is implemented.
Transporting cars is one of KFS’s largest revenue generators, with a 46.42 percent revenue growth in 2023.
On average, 7000 cars use the channel daily, with the cost of ferrying one vehicle ranging from KSh 120 to KSh 7500, depending on its size.
One of the reasons for the increase in traffic at the Likoni Ferry Channel was the closure of the Mtongwe Ferry Crossing Channel in 2019.
The move was intended to allow for the installation of pontoons, pillars, and gangways on both sides of the channel, a project estimated to cost KSh 28 million.
The closure of the channel meant that over 300,000 people who used it had to find alternative routes, including the Likoni Ferry channel.
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Normal services were expected to resume in June 2022, but this has yet to occur.
Next Move For Vehicles?
If vehicles are prohibited from using the ferry, they will have to use the upcoming Dongo Kundu bypass, which is nearing completion.
After five years of waiting, the bypass was officially opened in August 2024, five months after its scheduled March launch.
Only one section of the road is open to the public, as it is 96% complete.
Gov’t Contemplates Banning Vehicles On The Likoni Ferry After Double Weekend Accidents
