Likoni ferry crossing channel set for Sh10bn upgrade

An AI generate illustration of how the new bus terminal will look like / HANDOUT

The congestion, confusion and chaos of the Likoni Ferry Crossing will end with the construction of a new Sh10 billion upgrade, the Kenya Ports Authority has said.

KPA on Thursday released a new Traffic Circulation Management Plan to fix long-standing safety and congestion problems at the Likoni Ferry. It described the new design at a stakeholders’ forum in Mombasa.

Construction is set to begin in a month on the mainland Likoni side and will last for 24 months.

The design will include pedestrian sky bridges and it will expand and rebuild holding bays. Waiting shades will be enlarged and to-and-fro movement segregated to prevent the scramble that sometimes leads to stampedes.

Landing ramps will be widened to ease the constant pressure of vehicles moving in and out.

More than 400,000 people and 6,000 vehicles a day use the channel crossing.

For years, inadequate shades, narrow, unsegregated ramps and poor safety systems have been stretched to the limit, KPA managing director Captain William Ruto said.

The Likoni ferry crossing channel / BRIAN OTIENO

The new design rests on five pillars of connectivity, including spatial, functional, environmental, social and cultural workability, he said in a speech read by ferry services general manager Bakarii Gowa.

“This will ensure the ferry space is not only efficient but also inclusive and dignified,” the Captain said.

The bus terminal at the mainland side of the crossing channel will be relocated and formalised to end the chaos of uncoordinated boarding.

“The plan also integrates economic opportunities by creating more than 900 stalls for informal traders, ensuring small businesses remain part of the ferry ecosystem,” Captain Ruto said.

“Together, these changes are designed to transform the crossing experience from today’s crowded struggle into a safer, faster and more dignified daily journey.”

Coast Development Authority director Kalinga Mgandi said the Sh10 billion architectural design will turn the Likoni Crossing Channel into a modern facility able to contain formerly chaotic surges during peak hours.

“In 24 months’ time, KPA will have changed the status at the mainland side, paving way for an improved economy for the Likoni people,” he said.

KPA ferry services general manager Bakari Gowa at the forum on Thursday / BRIAN OTIENO

“If you’ve ever queued for hours at Likoni¾squeezed between cars, hawkers and crowds¾you know how tough the daily crossing can be,” he said.

The forum was attended by political leaders, tour operators, SME representatives and transporters, among others, signalling strong local support for the project.

Captain Ruto said the project will restore dignity to daily movement and deliver a smarter, safer service.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko welcomed the plan, saying it is long overdue.

“If we had these better structures before, we wouldn’t have faced past safety breaches,” she said.

Mombasa county commissioner Mohamed Noor praised the design’s inclusivity, highlighting new facilities for persons with disabilities and clear segregation of passenger movements.

“For ferry users, this means shorter waits, safer crossings, and a daily journey that finally respects your time and dignity,” he said.

Gowa said KPA will convene another baraza mainly for ferry users to air their views.

An AI generate illustration of how the crossing channel will look like / HANDOUT

“This will ensure all opinions on the project are heard and captured for posterity,” he said.

Instant analysis

Although the Dongo Kundu bypass has eased congestion at the Likoni Ferry Crossing channel, commuters still suffer daily maddening congestion occasional mishaps that endanger their lives. The new Sh10 billion facilities will make these dangers largely a thing of the past.