Mfangano Island residents petition Senate for state-run ferry service
Currently, the route is managed by Mbita Ferry Services, a private operator charging Sh250 for a single trip. Residents say the cost is unaffordable.
Residents of Mfangano Island in Homa Bay County have called on the Senate to establish a state-run ferry service linking the island to Mbita, citing exorbitant fares and unreliable private transport that have hindered trade and access to essential services.
During a session of the Senate Committee on Transport, chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute, the petition was presented after the observation of a moment of silence in memory of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga.
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Currently, the route is managed by Mbita Ferry Services, a private operator charging Sh250 for a single trip.
Residents say the cost is unaffordable, and the inconsistent schedule makes it difficult to move goods or travel for healthcare, education, and other critical needs.
Otieno, Chairperson of the Mfangano Development Association, said the island cannot develop without dependable transport.
“We need a government-run ferry like the Likoni Ferry, which operates free of charge and runs 24 hours a day,” he emphasised.
Members of Parliament were informed that Sh800 million had been allocated last financial year for a ferry to be built at Kisumu Shipyard.
Senator Peris Tobiko urged an additional Sh300 million in the next budget to ensure residents have reliable and affordable access to the mainland.
Some locals, however, expressed concerns about the planned route, which would cover Kisumu, Kendu Bay, Homa Bay, Mbita, Sena, and Muhuru Bay.
They argued this extended route would not sufficiently serve Mfangano and recommended short, frequent trips directly between Mbita and the island instead.
Committee Chair Senator Eddy Oketch described a ferry service to Mfangano as “long overdue,” while Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua stressed that residents deserve equity in national transport initiatives.
“Mfangano residents deserve justice. The ferry is their lifeline - their only connection to the mainland,” Wambua said.
After the petition session, committee members visited the Tom Mboya Mausoleum in Rusinga and later paid a condolence call to the family of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
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