The national government, through the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS), has laid down innovative strategies that will see ferry services expanded to reach other parts of the country in the next five years.
Addressing the press in Malindi on Thursday during the first meeting as new KFS board, the newly appointed chair to KFS Dan Mwazo said that the new strategies would see people from areas such as Lamu, and Lake Victoria enjoy ferry services similarly to the conventional Likoni-Mombasa channel.
He added that the digital initiations to ferry services would not only benefit regions but also people with special conditions including; people with disabilities and the elderly, adding that special ferrying vehicles and seats will be made for these groups.
“A lot has been in existence; however, we are not going to scrape out anything. What we are focused on as the new board is adding value by initiating new ideas and creativity, especially on safety and de-congestion of ferry services,” he said.
Mwazo revealed that KFS is experiencing inadequate funding issues from the ferrying vehicle, as it is under the control of the government which means there is no charging of commuters, adding that lack of parking space and land add to the plight of KFS.
On his part, the Director of Mombasa Ferry Services Bakari Khamisi Goa said among the plans to be initiated in the next two years is; to convert the old ferries into floating hotels for recreational purpose, and to boost KFS customer base.
"We have also planned to invest in establishing floating restaurants using the old ferries to help KFS realize more income plans and profitability," he said.