New Sh599 million Mokowe jetty makes cargo, passenger movement smooth

The completion of the Sh599 million Mokowe Customs Jetty in Lamu has revolutionised the water transport sector in the county.

Before the jetty was built, the Lamu County Municipality used to collect very revenue as the place was congested. This allowed jetty users to sneak without getting noticed by county enforcement officers.

However, speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, Lamu County Municipality Manager Abdulswamad Abdalla revealed that since the jetty was completed a few months ago, there has been a smooth movement of cargo and passengers.

“Theft has also been reduced at the jetty. Before the jetty was constructed afresh, county entry collection was very low at a mere 40 per cent,” Abdulswamad said.

He also said the county entry collection at the new jetty has improved by at least 70 per cent.

“We used to lose a lot in terms of revenue. The jetty was small and congested all through. This provided a loophole for those unwilling to pay entry and exit fees to escape. Today, the jetty has enough space and is well-planned. No theft anymore,” Abdulswamad said.

“I can attest that my county enforcers are operating smoothly. There is no entry collection evasion anymore. All the barriers that were there have been sealed and the county revenue collection at the jetty has improved by 70 per cent.”

The newly completed waiting bay complex at the Mokowe Jetty in Lamu. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Lamu County Trade, Tourism, Culture and Investment Executive Aisha Miraj also admitted witnessing a smooth movement of passengers, cargo and general vessel operations at the new jetty.

Aisha noted that harassment of tourists and travellers, including theft of luggage, which was common previously, has been completely curbed, thanks to the new jetty.

She said the new jetty has enough space for the establishment of designated pick-up and drop-off points for marine vessels and vehicles.

“Currently, the jetty has created space for passengers, including tourists to gather their luggage after alighting from vehicles. They are able to find boats or dhows to take them across the Indian Ocean to Lamu town without any unnecessary pressure from touts. This has helped protect travellers’ property from theft and prevent injuries,” Aisha said.

For many years there have been complaints from tourists and other travellers every time they arrive at jetties in Lamu and stages as those specific points lacked order.

“Before our jetties were constructed, touts would harass and steal luggage from travellers, especially the tourists. I am happy that since the constriction was done at the Mokowe Main Jetty and Depot as well as the other jetties in Lamu Mangrove, Manda Airport, KPA and Mtangawanda, such incidents have become a thing of the past as operations are done in a systematic manner,” said Aisha.

The new Mokowe Jetty has brought relief to travellers going to and from Lamu. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Various sea users interviewed also acknowledged saving time while using the facility as it can now accommodate many passengers and transporters at the same time unlike before.

Construction of the jetty was completed in February this year.

Ahmed Saddam, a coxswain, said the newly reconstructed jetty has created more space for boat anchorage as well as having waiting bays for passengers boarding or alighting from marine vessels.

“Before the construction, the old jetty was small and dilapidated. The new jetty has enough space that enables as many passengers as possible to use it at once while boarding or alighting from vessels. No congestion anymore,” said Ahmed.

Salim Bakari, another coxswain, remembered the many difficulties and inconveniences they have always gone through in accessing boats and dhows while using the old jetty which was structurally unsound.

Salim said they have witnessed passengers, especially women, slipping and plunging into the ocean while trying to board vessels.

“The old jetty was so slippery. Our passengers have ended up plunging into the ocean. Passengers had to queue to board a boat. As coxswains, we had to wait for our turns before using the jetty. But today, we can anchor our boats and ferry passengers at the same time since we’ve adequate space,” Salim said.

Boats at the new Mokowe Jetty in Lamu. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Mokowe Customs Jetty Resident Engineer Peace Oduk said the facility is the largest in Lamu County.

Oduk noted that the jetty was built uniquely and given a modern face.

“It’s the only jetty in Lamu that has a large waiting bay and a mini-petrol station. It also includes specially designed ramps to accommodate physically challenged people,” said Oduk.

Halima Abdalla, a regular passenger using the Mokowe jetty, said the state made a good decision to prioritise and construct the facility afresh.

Halima noted that thousands of travellers going to Lamu town and other adjacent islands can now move freely without fear.

“The construction of the jetty comes as a relief. Many travellers in the archipelago were literally risking their lives while using the old and dilapidated jetty,” said Halima.

She called for other dilapidated jetties in Lamu to be rehabilitated.

“Apart from the completed Mokowe jetty, we also have other small jetties like Kizuke, Jeti ya Ng’ombe and many more that require urgent repair and expansion,” Halima said.

Mohamed Kassim, a tourist boat owner, said the new order brought by the refurbished jetties has ensured that only bona fide touts handle travellers, unlike before when thieves would hide among touts, confuse and even steal from tourists.

“The new order has brought lots of comfort among us vessel operators, guests and tourists. When the jetties were small and dilapidated, we would witness constant conflicts and confusion between genuine touts and imposters, especially on how to handle clients. Today, I am happy as there is improved security and well-being of tourists and travellers visiting the Lamu archipelago,” Mohamed said.

Jetties in Lamu play a key role since they are the only entry and exit points into and out of Lamu town and other adjacent islands.

Lamu residents largely rely on sea transport for movement.

The jetties are, therefore, a crucial element since they aid in the movement of passengers and cargo.