This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Published on October 29, 2019, a report by Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior has exposed the deplorable state of ferries operating across the Likoni Channel in Kenya.
The report, tabled before the Senate, reveals that the five ferries - MV Kilindini, MV Kwale, MV Nyayo, MV Harambee, and MV Likoni - do not meet international safety regulations.
According to the report, MV Harambee's rusty and dysfunctional ramps lack safety mechanisms and contravene International Safety Management (ISM) regulations.
The report also indicts Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) for operating three decommissioned ferries: MV Harambee, MV Nyayo, and MV Kilindini, which are some of the country's oldest ferries.
The ferries, bought in 1990, have been in operation for over 29 years, raising concerns about their safety and maintenance.
The report comes a month after the tragic death of Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu, whose car plunged into the ocean after it slipped from MV Harambee.
Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior called for investigations into KFS's activities, citing the need for urgent action to prevent further accidents.
He also raised concerns about the misappropriation of funds, citing the rehabilitation of MV Harambee at a cost of Sh157 million in the 2016-2017 financial year.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had fired the entire KFS board after the accident, invoking Section 7(3) of the State Corporations Act to dismiss the board chairman and members.
