Striking workers paralyse Likoni Ferry operations

Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) workers Friday morning downed their tools, paralysing operations at the busy Likoni channel where over 200,000 commuters and some 5,000 motorists use the ferry services daily.

Tourists, workers, school children, businesspeople both from mainland and island side of the channel are now stranded as there is no alternative means to connect to and from the south coast.

More than 300 workers from all departments are on strike demanding their Sh1billion cumulative arrears since 2010.

According to one of the workers who talked to Business Daily, Dock Workers’ Union secretary Simon Sang had issued a strike notice about three weeks ago but the management ignored it.

“We have been trying to hold talks with the management and high level government officials including Transport Permanent Secretary Cyrus Njiru attended the talks but in vain,” he said.

He also said they are demanding 65 per cent salary increment and the bonus which was approved by the government but which has not been honoured.

“We shall not resume work until the government releases the money. Though it is something which has never happened in the history of ferry operations, we have no otherwise but to go on strike to push for our demands,” he said.

At both channels, thousands of commuters were left helpless at the ramps as the workers held demonstrations on board the ferries and outside KFS offices on the south mainland.

A family which was transporting a body to Mshomoroni for burial had to hire a canoe to cross from the island side.