Mombasa education officials urge KFS to designate ferry for learners

Education officials in Mombasa have urged Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) to designate one vessel for school-going children to ease their movement.

The Secretary General of Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) in Mombasa County, Dan Aloo, expressed concern over the challenges pupils and students face daily when crossing the Likoni Channel.

He emphasised the unsafe experience for young learners, particularly during the busy morning and evening rush hours, where they are squeezed among adults, jeopardising their safety.

"I have visited the area for a fact-finding mission and I witnessed young children being forcibly pushed and crowded by numerous adults, which significantly affects the psychology and overall well-being of these children,” Aloo said.

Aloo called on the county government and relevant authorities to implement the by-laws mandating the KFS to allocate at least one vessel specifically for pupils and students.

Additionally, he recommended that the designated ferry could also be utilised by persons living with disabilities, the sick, and during emergencies.

"This would reflect the compassionate responsibility of a nation towards its citizens," he added.

Congestion

Four ferries operate at the Likoni-Ferry crossing channel, however during peak hours, five vessels are in operation.

The current congestion at the crossing channel has led thousands of ferry users to adjust their daily schedules.

The Ferry Crossing channel congestion was expected to end in 2020 with the commissioning of the Sh1.9 billion Likoni Floating Bridge launched by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

When the 1.2-kilometre bridge was being built, several Mombasa locals and visitors lauded the project, underscoring Kenya's infrastructure achievements in 2020.

However, since its closure, ferry passengers are forced once again to contend with ongoing traffic jams, lengthy lineups, and occasionally even stampedes.

Women and children bear the full brunt at the crossing during rush hours.

To provide 24-hour port services, the Kenya Ports Authority, which assumed control of the ferry operations two years ago, closed the Sh1.9 billion Likoni Floating Bridge which has since led to congestion at the Ferry Crossing Channel

This comes after the bridge was blocked to allow ships to pass through, per the orders of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his Trade counterpart Moses Kuria.