The Kenya Ferry Service, KFS, roles and contacts

The Kenya Ferry Service was commissioned specifically to ferry people and vehicles across the Likoni channel connecting the mainland and the Mombasa island.

KFS currently ferries over 300,000 pedestrians and more than 6,000 vehicles daily across the channel. The firm projects the passenger number to hit 500,000 in the next three years if the current trend continues. Ferries are a great way to get around the famous Likoni channel with its many historical attractions and also to explore a glimpse of the Indian Ocean. There are five operating ferries. MV Nyayo, MV Harambee and MV Kilindini, MV Likoni and MV Kwale. Currently the company is in the process of acquiring two new ferries.

Since the Company’s core business is concentrated within the larger Port area, KFS is categorized as a Port facility. Consequently, it is subject to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations regarding Port facilities security.

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), which is the local enforcement agency, assesses and certifies the facility’s security plan which is developed and reviewed after every four years as required by the International Ship and Port facility Security (ISPS) code.

Other Security Measures Which The Company Has Undertaken Include:

1). Fencing of operation area to keep off non Ferry users.
2). Erection of robust and strong gates in operation area for crowd control.
3). 24 hour CCTV surveillance in the operation area
4). Installation of Walk-through’ metal detectors and X-ray luggage scanner to enhance pedestrian screening.
5). Physical Search and Screening of pedestrians and vehicles boarding the Ferries.
6). Security signage.
7). Regular security awareness to staff and Ferry users.
8). Continue to invest in new technologies to enhance security

Here are some of the roles played by KFS:

Excursions For Schools/Groups

KFS organizes school excursions in the Indian ocean where with special arrangements schools can hire the ferry for the tour of the channel for academic purposes and leisure.

They offer a range of trips specifically tailored for Group Organisers, Coach and Tour Operators. Cruises are priced reasonably to offer certainty for the organiser based on a minimum chargeable number of passengers. The Likoni Ferry is calm and peaceful in the reaches we cruise.

All trips depart from their ramps, where they dock, unless otherwise stated. KFS ramps are also accessible from either side of the channel. The ferries can be decorated with preferred theme and lights. Refreshments can be organised at a fee so that the group can enjoy when the ferry is cruising. A Catering option such as lunch or a cream tea can be included to enhance your trip.

Should your group require something more special for formal dining or socialising during the day or evening then a private charter where rates permit up to 4 hours might be more appropriate. Please call +254 20 2118344, +254 723 664000, +254 735999906/7 for further information.

Cruise Hire Services

Special arrangements can be made to ensure you enjoy your Indian ocean cruise through KFS ferry hires, this is done in accordance with the set hiring procedures.

“A brilliant experience”

Just some of the things you can experience when hiring the ferry :

1). Relax, no really you will, it’s quite an experience a day or evening on the water!
2). The kids will be in awe of the view and surroundings.
3). Make your way into estuaries that time has forgotten.
4). You can sunbath on the ferry decks.
5). Capture amazing photographs your friends will be envious of.
6). View shipping of all nationalities in one of the largest and most picturesque harbours in the world.
7). Land at English point for a meal or light refreshment.
8). Explore the natural creeks and see the marine life.
9). See the laid-up shipping (20,000 tonners).
10). Take your own picnic (or have us prepare one for you).

No experience needed, full instruction given, and it’s simple, safe family fun!

Moving Heavy Cargo

At Kenya Ferry Services they offer special arrangements for the movement of heavy cargo across the Likoni channel, this is done with a dedicated ferry to do the work.

From oil tankers to wide load we at KFS ensure the heavy loads or delicate cargo is separately transported in order to ensure safety of both the public and cargo.

Prior arrangements need to be made in order to facilitate safe transport of the cargo. The costing usually depend on the set criteria, for more information on heavy cargo ferrying visit KFS offices or contact them at [email protected].

Safe Movement of People

KFS is committed to ensuring that the security of its customers, staff and other stakeholders is guaranteed. In pursuing this goal, the Company has put in place elaborate security measures and systems intended to address the security challenges it faces

The company contracts services of reputable security firms who provide well trained security guards deployed in all strategic places within our premises to ensure KFS security procedures are enforced to the latter. The Company is also working in collaboration with the National Police Service who maintain law and order within the KFS operation area. To this end, the Company has constructed Ferry Police station on the island side to ease administration. We also maintain a close working relationship with the Kenya Navy.

Since the Company’s core business is concentrated within the larger Port area, KFS is categorized as a Port facility. Consequently, it is subject to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations regarding Port facilities security. The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), which is the local enforcement agency, assesses and certifies the facility’s security plan which is developed and reviewed after every four years as required by the International Ship and Port facility Security (ISPS) code.

Other Security Measures Which The Company Has Undertaken Include:

1). Fencing of operation area to keep off non Ferry users.
2). Erection of robust and strong gates in operation area for crowd control.
3). 24 hour CCTV surveillance in the operation area
4). Installation of Walk-through’ metal detectors and X-ray luggage scanner to enhance pedestrian screening.
5). Physical Search and Screening of pedestrians and vehicles boarding the Ferries.
6). Security signage.
7). Regular security awareness to staff and Ferry users.
8). Continue to invest in new technologies to enhance security.

Reliable Transport Channel

KFS ultimately offer five ferries for transport hence ensure the public are well catered for, they pride themselves in ensuring top notch public transport round the clock.

As the country’s first and largest ferry transport network, KFS’ ferry service provides safe, affordable and convenient water transportation services to over 300,000 pedestrian and 6,000 vehicles daily.
With over 30 years of experience KFS recognizes that, as a public service the Company’s services must be reliable and cater to the demands and requirements of communities to whom it is an essential part of their lives and livelihoods. KFS’ transport solutions are conscientious of the transport requirement of customers and provide services designed to meet their needs.

Scheduled ferry services complemented with convenient terminal at both sides of the Likoni and Mombasa island channel offer reliable ferry services between the main land and the island. The Company’s upcoming premium cable cars transport is designed to offer customers a faster commuting option with added convenience.

Their transport network consists of:

1). MV Nyayo: Carrying Capacity: 60 Vehicles | 1200 Passengers.
2). MV Harambee : Carrying Capacity: 40 Vehicles | 1440 Passengers.
3). MV Kilindini : Carrying Capacity: 40 Vehicles | 1440 Passengers.
4). MV Likoni :Carrying Capacity: 60 Vehicles | 1500 Passengers.
5). MV Kwale : Carrying Capacity: 60 Vehicles | 1500 Passengers.

KFS Contacts

If you wish to contact KFS, then use the official contact channels listed below;
Phone – (+254)736 999906
Tel: (+254) 20 2118344 / (+254)723 664000
Postal Address: P.O Box 96242-80110
Email: [email protected]