The constant breakdowns of ferries at the Mombasa port are threatening the lives of many. These mechanical problems due to fuel pipe burst or clutch problem have triggered protests from users a number of times. For instance, In a period of four weeks, MV Nyayo has broken down thrice with the recent one occurring midstream.
We, therefore, stand a chance of losing lives if relevant measures won't be put in place as early as possible. Memories of 1994 Mtongwe ferry are still fresh in the minds of many Kenyans and no one would wish to go through such. The state of affairs has instilled fear in so many users of the vessels. Tourists have since resorted to connecting to Diani beach by direct flight which is very costly.
Businesspersons and commuters are now worried about using the ferry as means of transport fearing of what might happen in case the vessel get stuck midstream for hours.This would in turn delay business activities hence affect the county economy negatively.
Measures need to be taken to improve the situation in order to avoid any future loss of life or property.
There is need to open up other stoppage points that can help ease the congestion and overload of ferries at the Likoni point. Overloaded vessels are prone to break down as compared to those carrying fewer loads. This helps avert accidents due to congestion.
More vessels should be introduced at different points so that we have specific vessels carrying commuters as others carry loads. This would ease movement of ferries across the ocean.
An effective stuff should be employed to help in the running of the vessels. There is need of experts who can service the vessels in order to avoid any break down due to lack of appropriate servicing. Besides that, constant sacking of stuff in order to discipline them in case of ferry ground should be avoided. This reduces morale of the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) workers hence ineffectiveness.
"It is now the procedure that anybody who allows the ferries to ground must be investigated and be possibly disciplined," said Bakari Gowa, Managing Director, in a past interview.
There is also an urgent need for adequate funding to help the management run their operations. It has emerged that KFS receives less funding that affects the whole operation at the port.
"The Justice Msagha Mbogholi judiciary commission of inquiry into the 1994 Mtongwe ferry accident recommended for adequate funding to the ferry operations at Likoni but the report has not been implemented," lamented Andrew Mwangura, coordinator of the Seafarers Assistance Program.
Therefore, if the government can implement the above recommendations then it will be easy for KFS to improve the situation at the port and avert both life and property loss.