This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
On September 29, 2019, a tragic ferry accident claimed the lives of Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda. A recent Senate report has shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, revealing that it could have been avoided.
Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr. tabled the report last week, which highlights the deplorable state of the five ferries operated by the Kenya Ferry Services. The report describes the vessels as potential deathtraps, citing their dysfunctionality and unseaworthiness.
According to the report, MV Harambee, one of the ferries, was found to lack functional ramps. This contravenes International Safety Management (ISM) regulations, which require all vessels to dry-dock after 8,500 hours of operation.
The report also accuses the Kenya Ferry Services of operating decommissioned ferries, including MV Harambee, MV Nyayo, and MV Kilindini. These vessels were bought as used in 1990.
Senator Kilonzo stated that the five vessels pose a danger to over 300,000 passengers and 6,000 motorists who use the Likoni Channel daily.
“Had the ramp of MV Harambee been functioning properly, the untimely death of Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda could have been avoided,” Senator Kilonzo said.
He also raised suspicions about the misappropriation of funds, citing the refurbishment of MV Harambee at a cost of Sh157 million in the Financial Year 2016/2017.
Senator Kilonzo called for an investigation into the management of African Marine Limited, which has been single-sourced by KFS for vessel servicing.
