KFS directed to enforce rules at Likoni to avert Covid-19
Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has been directed to enforce safety and security measures at the busy Likoni channel in Mombasa to stem the spread of Covid-19.
Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) John Elungata said the government will not condone reluctance in enforcing the coronavirus safety guidelines by the management and other enforcement agencies.
Elungata, who toured the channel that connects Mombasa island to the mainland directed KFS to limit the number of ferry users per trip to avert possible infections.
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“We are monitoring the situation closely and have identified the ferry crossing as a possible flash-point of the pandemic and are prepared for possible cases of the virus,” he said.
He said KFS management must maintain strict sanitation measures on its vessels and at the terminals for ferry user.
This comes in the wake of public outcry over the “casual” manner in which the KFS management was dealing with coronavirus safety issues.
KFS has installed hand-washing points at both sides of the channel as a preventive measure against spread of the disease but only a few ferry users are using them.
“We are also asking ferry users to play their part in preventing the spread of the virus and support the safeguards being taken in the wake of the global outbreak,” he said.
Elungata said more police officers would be deployed at the channel to help in the enforcement of the new safety measures and for crowd control.
“We are not out to punish anyone, we are only asking people to adhere to the safety measures for their good,” he added.
The regional administrator said the new regulations are temporary measures that must be obeyed by passengers, motorists and crews.
“As cases of coronavirus continue to rise globally, we have no option but to take strict measures to minimise the risk posed to the ferry users,” he said.
Elungata said the restrictions on the flow of passengers to the ferries are in line with government guidance on social distancing and in the best interest of the health of the population.
