For years, the Likoni Ferry crossing has been synonymous with inefficiencies, safety concerns, and unfulfilled government pledges.
Despite serving as a crucial link between Mombasa Island and the mainland, the ferry service remains plagued by operational mismanagement, causing daily frustration for thousands of commuters and motorists.
The recent violent confrontation at the ferry terminal has once again highlighted the deep-rooted issues at the crossing.
On the morning of February 5, 2025, tensions boiled over when a scuffle between pedestrians and private security guards escalated into chaos, leaving two guards injured.
Eyewitnesses report that the clash erupted when a pedestrian, frustrated by prolonged delays, attempted to bypass the guardrails to board the ferry illegally.
Security personnel intervened, but the situation quickly spiralled out of control as an already agitated crowd turned against them.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko condemned the incident, blaming poor security management. “What happened was avoidable. The security team lacks proper training in crowd control, and their first instinct is often aggression instead of de-escalation,” she said.
In a letter addressed to Ismax Security Services Ltd, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) criticized the security personnel deployed at the ferry for their unprofessional conduct.
“Our attention has been drawn to an incident that occurred on the morning of February 5, 2025, at the Likoni Ferry mainland side, where a group of unruly pedestrians disrupted ferry operations by jumping over barriers, and the unwarranted response from Ismax Security guards deployed at the ferry.
"The incident, which was partially captured in a viral clip, shows security guards employing unprofessional methods to handle crowd disorder. The clip openly captures guards throwing stones at the pedestrians, thereby endangering the lives of innocent ferry users,” the letter, signed by Security Services Manager Tony Kibwana, read in part.
While acknowledging that some unruly pedestrians had disrupted operations and injured security personnel, KPA stated that the guards' reaction was unjustified.
The authority has since demanded an urgent response from Ismax Security, warning of further action based on investigations.
Beyond security concerns, reports suggest that some guards have been accused of extorting bribes from desperate commuters seeking to bypass long queues.
However, KPA, which oversees ferry operations, has remained largely silent on these claims.
Meanwhile, the much-touted Dongo Kundu Bypass, meant to decongest the Likoni crossing, has yet to provide a viable alternative.
Many motorists still prefer the ferry, citing the bypass’s longer route and higher fuel consumption.
“People still use the ferry because the bypass is too long and expensive,” said Hassan Mwinyi, a Likoni matatu driver.
While the bypass offers an alternative for vehicles, it does not adequately serve pedestrians, forcing thousands to continue relying on the overstretched ferry service.
Constructed in 2020 at the cost of Sh1.9 billion, the Liwatoni Floating Bridge was designed to ease congestion by providing a dedicated pedestrian crossing.
Initially set for decommissioning in December 2025, the bridge was abruptly closed months ago for “renovation” with little explanation.
The government has since indicated plans to dismantle it permanently, citing interference with port operations.
KPA Chairman Benjamin Tayari defended the decision, arguing that the bridge posed a safety hazard.
“Liwatoni Footbridge was a dangerous venture. We used machines to operate it, and it proved to be a safety concern for commuters,” said Mr Tayari.
However, residents have decried the move, arguing that the bridge was a lifeline for pedestrians now forced to endure long ferry queues.
“It’s unfair to shut down a bridge that was supposed to serve us until 2025 while we still struggle to cross the channel daily,” lamented Mary Atieno, a Likoni resident.
Another long-promised solution, the Mombasa Gate Bridge, remains stalled.
Despite feasibility studies and repeated government assurances, little progress has been made.
“We keep hearing about this bridge, but nothing is happening on the ground. It’s just another political promise,” said Peter Mwinyi, a local businessman.
The stalled project raises concerns about the government’s commitment to solving the Likoni crossing crisis or whether residents are being strung along with empty pledges.
Even as alternative solutions remain uncertain, the ferries themselves continue to pose a risk to commuters.
The MV Jambo, MV Safari, MV Likoni, and MV Kwale, expected to provide safe and reliable transport, have suffered multiple breakdowns, while older, unseaworthy ferries remain in operation.
“The ferries are in bad shape. Just last week, MV Safari had mechanical issues, causing long delays,” said Ahmed Salim, a daily commuter.
The hanging prows on some ferries pose a danger to vehicles and passengers during boarding and offloading, yet little has been done to address these concerns.
Mr Tayari, the KPA chairman, acknowledged the ferry safety challenges but reassured commuters that improvements were underway.
“We are waiting for the dry dock to be ready. We have also ordered a new ferry, which we are expecting to be delivered soon,” he stated.
Despite these assurances, frustrations continue to mount.
Residents and motorists are now demanding urgent interventions, including better-trained security personnel to handle crowds professionally, the reinstatement of the Liwatoni Floating Bridge or resumption of the Mtongwe Ferry service to ease pedestrian congestion.
They also want regular maintenance and replacement of ferries to ensure commuter safety and the fast-tracking the construction of the Mombasa Gate Bridge as a long-term solution.
Mr Tayari urged motorists to embrace the Dongo Kundu Bypass, describing it as a faster and safer alternative for road users. However, he also called for mutual respect between ferry users and security personnel.
“Let’s have some decorum and respect for the officers. We are all human, and we are bound to react in certain circumstances. But wananchi also need to look out for their safety and practice social discipline,” he said.
With repeated failures, broken promises, and mounting frustrations, the Likoni crossing remains a daily gamble with safety, time, and dignity.
