The Kenyan government is preparing to acquire a new high-capacity ferry for the Likoni crossing in the city of Mombasa.
The vessel, valued at approximately $23 million, is expected to enter service within the next six months.
The Likoni crossing is one of the main transport routes linking the southern part of Mombasa Island with the mainland. More than 300,000 passengers and thousands of vehicles use the crossing daily. However, aging ferry infrastructure has led to increasing congestion, technical failures, and safety concerns in recent years.
Videos circulating on social media have shown uncontrolled passenger boarding, long queues, and dangerous conditions at the terminal. Reports indicate that some ferries currently in operation had their seaworthiness certificates revoked years ago.
Kenyan President William Ruto stated that, in addition to the new ferry, further funding will be allocated to improve transport and traffic infrastructure in Mombasa.
