Motorists at Likoni Ferry want Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) to reduce the charges on them. This is after KFS on February this year, increased the charges for vehicles, by between 25% and 35%
According to the new charges structure, vehicles measuring between 3.5 and 4.5 meters in length pay Sh120, up from Sh90. Pick-ups are being charged Sh150, up from Sh120. Tourist vans which used to be pay Sh220, are now paying Sh280. Passenger buses fees have been increased from Sh880 to Sh1, 100.
Motorists have complained that the new charges are too heavy for them to bear on daily basis. They want the count government as well as national government to hear their cry concerning the charges issue. Over 6,500 vehicles cross at the Likoni channel daily.
"The charges are too heavy for most of us, I used to pay sh120 for my pick up, but am now paying 30 more yet I pass here a number of times in a day, am a business man," lamented Omar, a pick-up driver.
"Governor Joho and President Uhuru should do something, we voted for them so that life becomes bearable, not what we ae seeing. When we complain to KFS they say the matter is beyond them after it was approved by the national government." said Ms. Jane, she was queuing to pay the service money on Thursday.