KPA advances Mombasa sea ferry plan to boost connectivity

Vehicles embark on a marine vessel docked at the Likoni crossing channel by driving across a hinged metal ramp known as a roll-on/roll-off system directly onto the vessel’s main deck, under the direction of on-board crew. The government has announced a Sh3 billion plan to introduce new marine vessels to boost efficiency at the channel./KNA

The ongoing construction of the Likoni ferry state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a flagship infrastructure project by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), is expected to ease congestion, enhance safety and modernise a crossing that serves more than 500,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles every day.

The names of the ferries currently operating across the Likoni Channel in Mombasa include newer vessels like MV Jambo, MV Kwale, MV Likoni, and MV Safari, alongside older vessels that has since been decommissioned, such as MV Harambee, MV Kilindini, MV Nyayo, MV Mvita, and MV Pwani.

The Likoni Ferry is fully managed and operated by the KPA, following the dissolution and absorption of the former Kenya Ferry Services (KFS).

The ongoing construction of the Likoni Ferry passenger terminal seeks to ensure Mombasa, Kwale and neighbouring northern region of Tanzania reap maximum economic rewards from this marine service channel.

Passenger services are free, while vehicles (including tuktuks, motorcycles, and trucks) pay a toll, while a direct bridge or tunnel from Likoni to Mombasa Island has also been proposed over the years but the high cost of building them has made these options unlikely.

A general view of the Likoni ferry flagship infrastructure project by KPA, expected to ease congestion, enhance safety and modernise a crossing that serves more than 500,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles every day./KNA

The Likoni Ferry channel is a vital 500-meter maritime crossing that connects Mombasa Island to the southern mainland suburb of Likoni, serving as the main highway route onwards to Diani Beach in Kwale County and the Tanzania border.

The ferries that ply the Likoni channel on a 24-hour basis play an important role in supporting fishing, trade, tourism, and local economic activities, serving as a lifeline for communities that depend on the Mombasa Island and South Coast for their livelihoods.

During an inspection tour, KPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Capt. William Ruto said that the multimillion shillings ferry project is aimed at easing congestion of people and vehicles to ensure a better experience for thousands of commuters who rely on the ferry.

He said the new ferry terminal project aligns with the national government’s vision to improve regional maritime connectivity, positioning the port of Mombasa as a logistics hub in the region.

KPA CEO Capt. William Ruto with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction of the Likoni ferry passenger terminal. A new ferry terminal is being developed to make daily travel more comfortable and convenient for passengers and motorists./KNA

Capt. Ruto said the new terminal is part of a broader Traffic Circulation Management Plan being implemented by KPA to enhance safe passage of people and motor vehicles using the ferries daily.

He said the primary objective of the Likoni ferry infrastructure upgrade is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable water transportation services for commuting residents and visitors alike.

The KPA boss commended the ferry services team for their tireless efforts towards service delivery regardless of challenges and announced future ferry operations plans to include more water bodies to cover Mombasa to Diani, Lamu, Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana.

He said beyond the passengers, the project also creates an opportunity that allows traders to operate in an organised commercial space.

Overall, the project upon completion will enhance pedestrian facilities, ensure dedicated public transport areas, and upgrade roads and pavements, thereby creating a safer, more efficient, and more connected environment around the ferry.

Capt. Ruto emphasised that the design rests on five pillars of connectivity – spatial, functional, environmental, social, and cultural – ensuring the ferry space will be not only efficient but also inclusive and dignified.

“These changes are designed to transform the crossing experience from today’s crowded struggle into a safer, faster, and more dignified daily journey,” he said.

Ruto said the scope of works includes the reconstruction of passenger holding bays and the widening of landing ramps to ease the constant pressure of vehicles moving in and out of the marine vessels.

He said pedestrian skybridges and safer waiting sheds will be added to protect commuters from the daily scramble, while the bus terminal will be relocated and formalised to end the chaos of uncoordinated boarding.

He said with economic opportunities integrated into the plan, KPA is also putting up stalls that will accommodate more than 300 informal traders, ensuring small businesses remain part of the ferry ecosystem.

The KPA CEO said safety remains a key priority in the development, noting that the new facilities have been designed to improve crowd control and enhance commuter safety.

“The project, currently 70 per cent complete, is expected to be ready by early 2028. It is anticipated to significantly improve mobility, safety and business activities around the busy crossing point,” he said, promising to deliver a smarter, safer ferry service.

For years, residents and travellers have raised concerns over traffic congestion, long waiting hours and overcrowding at the crossing, particularly during rush hours and holiday periods.

The new project is progressing steadily even as the national government announced plans to acquire a new ferry for the busy Likoni crossing channel as part of efforts to decongest and improve transport services in the coastal city.

The government had already committed Sh3 billion towards the project, with the new ferry expected to begin operations by December this year.

Stakeholders and residents have welcomed the move to decongest the Likoni ferry crossing, noting that congestion and delays on this vital crossing are increasingly becoming a trade barrier for the region.