New Dawn for Likoni Ferry: Transforming Chaos into Dignity

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

For anyone who has endured the sweltering, chaotic queues at Likoni Ferry, the promise of change feels like a long-overdue lifeline.

The crossing, a vital artery connecting Mombasa Island to the mainland south, serves over 400,000 people and 6,000 vehicles daily. It is the heartbeat of daily commutes, commerce, and connectivity for residents, workers, and visitors.

Yet, for far too long, the experience has been defined by frustration: endless waits, crumbling infrastructure, and a scramble for space that often feels undignified.

The sheds are overcrowded, the ramps too narrow, and the safety systems strained under the weight of demand. But now, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has unveiled a bold Traffic Circulation Management Plan that promises to transform this daily ordeal into a safer, faster, and more dignified journey.

This is not just an upgrade; it is a reimagining of what Likoni Ferry can be—a beacon of efficiency and inclusivity.

The plan, announced recently at a stakeholders’ forum in a Mombasa hotel, is a comprehensive blueprint to address the ferry’s long-standing challenges. It tackles the bottlenecks that have plagued commuters for years, from the cramped passenger holding bays to the congested vehicle ramps.

The upgrades include expanding and rebuilding the holding bays to accommodate the massive foot traffic, widening landing ramps to ease the flow of vehicles, and constructing pedestrian skybridges to protect commuters from the chaotic scrum that defines peak hours.

Safer waiting sheds will offer respite from the sun and the crush of crowds while a relocated and formalised bus terminal will bring order to the haphazard boarding process.

These changes are practical, addressing the immediate pain points of ferry users who have long deserved better.

Beyond functionality, the plan weaves in economic and social considerations, ensuring that the ferry remains a lifeline for the community it serves.

The inclusion of over 900 stalls for informal traders is a masterstroke, recognizing the hawkers and small-scale vendors who are as much a part of the Likoni ecosystem as the ferries themselves.

These stalls will provide a structured space for traders to thrive, preserving their livelihoods while reducing the clutter that often exacerbates the crossing’s chaos.

This commitment to inclusivity extends to new facilities for persons with disabilities, ensuring that the ferry is accessible to all.

Mombasa County commissioner Mohamed Noor Hassan praised this aspect of the design, noting the clear segregation of passenger movement as a step toward equity.

The plan’s five pillars—spatial, functional, environmental, social, and cultural—reflect a holistic vision, one that sees the ferry not just as a transit point, but as a space that reflects the dignity of its users.

The enthusiasm for the project is palpable. At the stakeholders’ forum, a diverse group of voices—area members of County Assembly (MCAs), tour operators, small and medium enterprises, transporters, and others—expressed strong support.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko called the plan “long overdue,” a sentiment echoed by many who have witnessed the ferry’s struggles firsthand. She pointed to past safety breaches, including overcrowding and accidents, as evidence of the urgent need for change.

The memory of those incidents lingers, a reminder of what happens when infrastructure fails to keep pace with demand. 

KPA managing director Captain William K. Ruto, whose speech was delivered by general manager ferry services Bakari Gowa struck a hopeful note, promising to “restore dignity to daily movement.”

His words resonate with commuters who have long felt overlooked, their time and safety taken for granted.

Construction is set to begin in a month on the mainland Likoni side, with a 24-month timeline to bring this vision to life. While the promise of transformation is exciting, the road ahead will require patience.

Construction will inevitably bring disruptions and KPA must ensure clear communication to manage expectations. 

The planned baraza-style forum for ferry users is a promising step, offering a platform for commuters to voice their concerns and contribute to the project’s success.

This participatory approach signals KPA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, qualities that will be crucial as the project unfolds.

By listening to the people who rely on the ferry every day, KPA can ensure that the upgrades meet real needs, not just bureaucratic checkboxes.

For the average ferry user, the impact of these changes cannot be overstated.

Shorter wait times will mean less time lost in queues, more time for work, family, or rest. Safer crossings will bring peace of mind, particularly for parents, the elderly, and those with disabilities who have long navigated the ferry’s challenges with trepidation.

A formalized bus terminal and pedestrian skybridges will replace the current free-for-all with a sense of order, making the crossing feel less like a battle and more like a routine.

These improvements are not just about infrastructure; they are about respecting the time, safety, and dignity of the hundreds of thousands who depend on the ferry daily.

Skeptics might argue that ambitious projects like this often falter in execution, delayed by bureaucracy or mismanagement.

And yes, the 24-month timeline is significant, requiring sustained commitment from KPA and its partners. But the broad support from stakeholders and the clear, actionable nature of the plan inspire confidence.

This is not a vague promise but a detailed roadmap, grounded in the realities of Likoni’s challenges.

The inclusion of economic and social elements, like the traders’ stalls and accessibility features, shows a depth of thought that bodes well for the project’s success.

If KPA can maintain its momentum and keep the public engaged, the Likoni ferry could become a model for how public infrastructure can evolve to meet modern demands while honouring the communities it serves.

Change is coming to Likoni Ferry, and with it, the promise of a better daily journey. For too long, commuters have endured a system stretched to its limits, their patience tested by delays and discomfort.

The Traffic Circulation Management Plan offers a vision of a ferry that is efficient, inclusive, and respectful of its users’ time and dignity. As construction begins and the baraza forum looms, the message is clear: this is a project for the people of Mombasa, built on their needs and aspirations.

If executed well, it will not only transform the crossing but also restore faith in what public infrastructure can achieve. For the 400,000 souls who cross the channel each day, that is a change worth waiting for.

The author is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.