KFS had bought the ferries to resolve congestion at the Likoni channel.
The first of the two vessels, Mv Jambo, was expected to arrive this Thursday although the court blocked its launch pending hearing and determination of a case.
The second ferry, Mv Safari, is expected to be delivered to the port city in November this year.
Tourism Secretary Najib Balala has downplayed a suit filed at the Mombasa High Court that raises questions over the quality and safety of two new ferries, saying the vessels will be launched soon.
He said the government had bought the ferries, which are expected to arrive in Mombasa from Turkey this week, to resolve congestion at the Likoni channel.
“We are working round the clock to have the case dealt with so that we can launch the ferry and help our people,” he said in Mombasa Monday.
However, he did not give a specific date for the launch that was to be presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The first of the two vessels, Mv Jambo, was expected to arrive this Thursday although the court blocked its launch pending hearing and determination of a case filed by a company contracted by the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) to carry out inspection of the ferries.
The two vessels were bought at a cost of Sh1.9 billion.
The second ferry, Mv Safari, is expected to be delivered to the port city in November this year, according to KFS.
Cable cars
The tourism CS also reassured residents that cable cars will also be in place along the busy channel to help address transport problems between Mombasa Island and the mainland.
“We will be able to serve the people by the cable cars and the ferries as well. We are determined in serving our people,” he said.
Mr Balala was speaking during the launch of Inua Jamii, a social programme for persons aged above 70 years, at Tononoka Hall in Mombasa.
