Ruto Announces KSh3 Billion New Ferry for Likoni Crossing by December

President William Ruto has directed the construction of a new ferry for the Likoni crossing in Mombasa County. He made the pledge on May 21 while touring the coast.

The Head of State said the vessel would cost KSh3 billion and enter service before December. He spoke after observing morning commuter struggles at the channel.

“I’ve just witnessed the people of Mombasa trying to cross the sea using the ferry this morning,” Ruto said. “My government is building you a new ferry before December this year at a cost of KSh3 billion.”

The Likoni ferry handles heavy daily traffic. Figures show between 15,000 and 30,000 commuters on some counts, with combined pedestrian and vehicle crossings reaching around 300,000 people and 6,000 vehicles across both channels. Congestion builds quickly, especially during peak hours.

Ruto linked the new ferry directly to these pressures. He described the decision as a response to the bottlenecks that slow movement between the mainland and island.

The President also announced a separate KSh5 billion investment for Mtongwe. That funding targets broader mobility improvements in the area, where residents have faced unreliable services and poor road links.

Ferry operations at Likoni have drawn safety concerns over the years. Commuters have reported slips and falls into the water during crowded boardings. Persons with disabilities often struggle with ramp access at smaller crossings like Mtongwe.

Construction timelines remain tight. The announcement sets an aggressive end-of-year target for the new asset, though detailed procurement or contracting steps were not outlined in Ruto’s remarks.

The Likoni channel forms a critical artery for Mombasa’s economy and daily life. It connects the mainland to the island city, serving both local residents and those moving goods through Kenya’s main port. Any relief in crossing times could ease pressure on surrounding roads.

Ruto’s coastal tour includes other pledges. He instructed the Ministry of Land to accelerate subdivision of plots for title deed distribution, targeting over 200,000 deeds for coastal families.

The ferry promise arrives against a backdrop of long-standing calls for better infrastructure at the crossing. Previous governments have explored options ranging from additional vessels to fixed bridges, but the channel continues to rely heavily on ferry services.

Details on the new ferry’s capacity, design specifications, or exact delivery mechanism have not yet been released. Government officials are expected to provide further clarification in coming weeks as planning advances.

For now, the announcement offers Mombasa residents a firm timeline and budget figure to watch. Delivery by December would test the administration’s ability to fast-track marine infrastructure projects in a region where such works often face delays from weather, funding, or logistics.