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Lamu boat operators cash in on Garissa-Nairobi transport crisis after floods

Passengers travelling from Nairobi to Garissa arrive in the Kona Punda area of Tana River County by boat on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

By Issa Hussein | 07 May 2024

The government suspended boat operations after one capsized in Kona Ponda, but restores them later, with strict conditions in place.

Boat business owners from Lamu County are making a good profit transporting passengers to Garissa and Nairobi at the flooded Kona punda section of the Garissa-Nairobi Highway, where a recent accident claimed more than 10 lives.

In the incident in Tana River County on April 28, an overloaded boat capsized as members of the public tried to cross a flooded section, following a heavy downpour and the overflow of the River Tana.

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The government then suspended boat operations but restored them a few days later, with strict conditions in place, including carrying a maximum of 10 people with luggage and 15 without, the provision of safety jackets, and operations between 7 am and 6 pm.

Travellers await boat transport in the Kona Punda area of Tana River County on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

Thus far, companies whose buses ply that route have resumed operations at Madogo in Tana River, where they drop off and pick up passengers who then have to navigate the flooded Kona Punda section on boats.

Mohamed Athmani, one of the boat owners, said he charges Sh200 per passenger and makes at least Sh8,000 a day as the demand is high, from travellers from Garissa to Nairobi and those heading from the capital city to Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties.

"We came here after the government lifted the ban on boat transport and set safety regulations, which we are complying with. We are making a good profit," he said.

"The bus companies have suspended their operations for two weeks now, so boat operators are helping to cross the flooded section of the road.".

Travellers complete their boat journeys in the Kona Punda area of Tana River County on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

Mohamed noted that the boat transport will also help traders supply food, minimising the chances of a shortage. He said their number was increasing, nearing 20 by Tuesday.

Faraj Mohamed, another boat operator from Lamu, said passengers were "very comfortable" with their operations.

"We have fulfilled all conditions set by the government. Every passenger is wearing a safety jacket, and we have enough experience since we have been doing this business on Lamu Island," Faraj said, adding that the boom was attracting more people to the business.

Former Saka Ward councillor Aden Bute, who was travelling to Kisumu, said he was relieved by the alternative mode of transport.

"It is a 15-minute journey on the water. We will board a bus to Nairobi that is waiting for us at its new Madogo booking offices. It is better than waiting for the floodwaters to subside, as this is uncertain," Aden said.

He added that the life jackets made him more comfortable and that the boat operators were not overloading, with police officers monitoring their activities.

Travellers submit their details to police officers for addition to a manifest ahead of boat journeys in the Kona Punda area of Tana River County on May 7, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

Police officers from Garissa and Tana River pitched a tent at Mororo and Madogo, recording passenger details including names, identity card numbers, their next of kin, and mobile numbers.

Taxi and boda boda operators have also benefited, transporting people to and from Garissa town.