This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
On October 29, 2019, it was revealed that the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has been operating three of its six ferries without international accreditation.
The international maritime classification society, Lloyd's Register, struck off MV Harambee from its list of registered vessels in 2007, following a tragic incident where Mariam Kighenda's car slid off the ferry.
Appearing before MPs, KFS Managing Director Bakari Gowa and Engineer Peter Mathenge confirmed that MV Harambee, MV Nyayo, and MV Kilindini have been operating without the necessary international certification.
The KFS bosses acknowledged that they were aware of the deregistration but continued to operate the vessels with licenses from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).
It was also revealed that the condemned vessels cost thrice as much to maintain as vessels that are within the 20-year service ceiling limit.
