Mombasa is the second biggest city in Kenya.Being an island town surrounded by the Indian ocean,accesing the town is only possible through the Makupa causeway,Nyali bridge or Likoni ferry depending on which direction you are coming from.The town also sums up as a major destination for both local and international tourist.
Of all events crossing by ferry is one that remains memorable to most visitors.Especially if it's the first time on a marine vessel.
The Likoni ferry station is located just off Nyerere road adjacent to Mama Ngina drive.Security is maintained high at the station due to the big number of people,all walks of life, involved.Walk through detectors and security personnel being deployed to ensure the smooth flow of events.
The ferry experience begins with a walk past through the check ups into the waiting bay.A pavilion like area where you wait for a few minutes for the ferry next in schedule.You'll notice a separate bay exists for expectant women and children,VIP and the ferry staff.Mark you, the ride is government sponsored and is hence free of charge unless you are having a vehicle .Here you'll have to part with about a hundred Kenya shillings,equivalent of one USA dollar to be granted access.
Sooner or later the gates fling open and you can now board the vessel.Vehicles will have gone in by the time gates go wide.There are two decks on the vessel and you can stand or seat on either.The announcer in fluent Swahili as is characteristic of the coastal region,helps the boarding process.He or she will warn against standing on dangerous places like on the ferry ramp.And caution people on pickpockets and other such petty offenders probably in their midst.Anyone not yet in will be asked to hurry before the coxswain slips off .With more than 50 vehicles and 2000 plus people on board the big engines will roar.
On a good day,the ride can be a theatrical affair of its own kind.You might be lucky to find a performer showcasing stand up comedy talent or other skits to the amusement of onlookers who may throw a few coins at their feet in appreciation.Preachers sharing in the good news are also very common especially during the night.
The view ahead of you while sailing through is beautiful for lack of a better word. Especially if you get a place on the upper deck.Kilindini harbour with merchant ships docked at its berths is on your left.The entry channel with its marker floaters and Mama ngina drive can be seen on your right.While Likoni ushers in the south coast right ahead .Fishes of all kinds can also be seen in the clear blue ocean waters.On a good day you can also see ships.Big,gravid of commodity and horns blazing crawl into the port to relieve themselves of their merchandise.
Nevertheless,photography and filming while on board is prohibited.Hawking is not also allowed.So beautiful is the scenery though the fun is usually short lived.Sooner than expected you hit destination.
First timers can feel anxious especially because of the depth of waters involved here. A port entry channel has to have enough depth index because of the heavy ships .However, it is generally safe, accidents ,engine stalls and other technical hitches being quite on the minimal.
So important is this cruise such that business seems to entirely depend on it.Matatus,slang for public transport will lay empty until the ferry stops to bring in people.There are also cloth,food and all manner of vendors on both sides of the channel.All dependent upon the huge influx of people in this area.School going children,businessmen and employees use this service daily and free of charge.
It is hence a pillar not only of the coastal economy but also of the general national economy.Private services would charge what most of the people would shy away from.Hence disabling movement and trade and eventually unbalancing development.
Thanks to the coxswains and staff who see to it that fellow citizens reach job and school on time and safe.
Indeed an important job, and, at least well done.
