How the Lake Victoria ferry connects Homa Bay and Siaya, cuts travel time and keeps businesses moving

One of the ferry's that operates on lake Victoria, between Mbita in Homabay County and Luanda Kotieno in Siaya County. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

At around 2:00 pm, I boarded a ferry at Mbita mainland in Homa Bay County for a journey across Lake Victoria to Luanda Kotieno in Siaya County.

As it slowly pulled away from Mbita, the shoreline began to fade into the distance and scattered islands emerged from the shimmering blue waters, creating a breathtaking panorama throughout the 50-minute crossing.

As the vessel glided across the lake, some passengers sat quietly, taking in the scenery, while others chatted as cool winds swept across the deck.

The ferry makes several trips daily across the lake, a vast expanse of water that sustains the livelihoods of communities living along its shores, particularly those who depend on fishing for income.

Carrying passengers, cars, motorbikes and even domestic animals, the vessel serves as a vital transport link between the two landing points and the thousands of people who rely on it every day.

The ferry has two passenger cabins, one on the lower deck and another on the upper floor, accessible by a flight of stairs.

For passengers travelling from Mbita to Kisumu, Bondo and other towns, the ferry offers a crucial connection to destinations on the opposite side of the lake.

Felix Otieno, one of the passengers on board, said he prefers the ferry despite suffering from motion sickness. He said travelling by road in his car from Mbita could take more than six hours.

“I risk it because I want to save time,” he said.

Upon arrival at the landing point, passengers can board matatus at Luanda Kotieno to continue to their destinations, while those travelling with vehicles can simply drive off the ferry and proceed by road.

The crossing forms part of a broader transport network serving communities around Lake Victoria, where the lake not only sustains livelihoods but also provides a vital route for the movement of people and goods between counties.

Through the daily movement of travellers, traders and fishermen, the ferry remains more than just a means of transport, serving as a floating lifeline that connects communities on either side of the lake.