LIKONI

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Ferries withdrawn from service

Thousands of ferry users were staring at a crisis at the Likoni crossing channel following the grounding of both the 'Nyayo' (MMSI: 8917285) and'Likoni' by the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) after developing mechanical problems. After the propeller of the 'Likoni’ was damaged on Feb 10, 2020, workers tried to fix it, but they did not succeed. The management was now contemplating to send the vessel to African Marine and General Engineering Company (Amgeco) for the repairs. The 'Nyayo' was suspended from service late on Feb 11 which left only three ferries to serve residents and the over 6,000 vehicles that cross daily. Users will now remain with the services of the 'Jambo', 'Kwale' and 'Kilindini'. With only three vessels operating, motorists coming from the mainland on Wednesday morning were forced to wait for hours before crossing.

Ferry stalled in Likoni

There was a moment of scare at Likoni when the 'Likoni' carrying passengers across the Indian Ocean stalled midway channel. The ferry which was carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles was pushed to the shore by the "Jambo". The incident came at a time when KFS has been on the spot over poor management of ferries at the Likoni channel. Concerns over management of the vessels started after a car slid off the "Harambee" and plunged into the ocean killing a mother and her daughter. Of public interest was the fact that there were no standby rescue teams who would have saved occupants of the car as it took at least 10 minutes before it sunk to the ocean floor.

Al Shabaab terrorists may be plotting an attack on ferry route

Security was beefed up at the "Likoni" on July 28, 2016, following intelligence reports that the Al Shabaab extremists were plotting an attack on the vital Kilindini Harbour crossing channel. Security officers, both in uniform and civilian clothing, have since been deployed to ensure maximum security at the critical installation. Security measures have been heightened and thorough screening of both people and vehicles going through the channel has been effected.