Likoni Ferry to Get New Skybridges, Bus Terminal as Upgrade Takes Shape

The construction of a new passenger terminal at the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa is progressing, with President William Ruto inspecting the ongoing works.

Speaking on Thursday, October 1, Ruto said the project is designed to improve the movement of both pedestrians and vehicles while creating a more organised environment for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the ferry every day.

"We want to organise how people move here with dignity," he noted.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the passenger terminal is being developed under a wider Traffic Circulation Management Plan by KPA, which seeks to improve the safety and efficiency of movement through the ferry crossing.

The Likoni Ferry serves as a major transport link, handling more than 500,000 passengers and about 6,000 vehicles daily. 

The upgrade is therefore expected to ease congestion while improving the experience of commuters and motorists using the facility.

The project will also incorporate spaces for traders, allowing informal businesses operating around the ferry to conduct their activities in a more structured environment.

Among the planned improvements is the reconstruction of passenger holding bays and widening of the landing ramps to ease pressure caused by the continuous movement of vehicles into and out of the ferry.

New pedestrian skybridges and improved waiting sheds will also be constructed to provide safer passage and waiting areas for commuters.

The bus terminal will be relocated and formalised to streamline boarding and reduce disorder associated with uncoordinated public transport operations.

KPA is also incorporating economic activities into the redevelopment by constructing stalls expected to accommodate more than 300 informal traders, allowing small businesses to remain part of the ferry's commercial ecosystem.

The completed works will further provide dedicated public transport areas, improved pedestrian facilities, upgraded roads and pavements, and better traffic circulation around the ferry.

The upgrade is expected to be completed by early 2028.

Elsewhere, Nyeri’s Ksh900 Million Ruring’u Stadium has reached 70 per cent completion as the government continues with the construction and upgrading of sports infrastructure across the country.

In an update on Thursday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the Ruring’u Stadium project was part of a wider national programme involving the construction of 32 other stadiums.

"Rùrìng'ù is just one of the 32 other such stadiums being built across Kenya to supplement Nairobi’s Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums as well as the iconic Talanta Sports City," he wrote.

Kindiki said he had inspected the ongoing works at Ruring’u Stadium, noting that the project had reached significant progress as the government pursued a major upgrade of the country’s sports infrastructure.

"This is the most ambitious sports infrastructure upgrade since Kenya came to be. I have inspected the works at Rùrìng'ù, now 70% complete," he added.

Kindiki also inspected the construction of the Asian Quarters Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market in Nyeri County, which is among several market facilities being developed to support traders and improve local trading infrastructure.

"Also inspected works on the construction of Asian Quarters ESP Market, one of the 13 such facilities at various stages of construction in Nyeri County," he further said.

Kindiki said another market project, the Nyeri Modern Market, was being constructed near the stadium at a cost of Ksh324 million and would provide space for hundreds of traders. 

He also noted that the Field Marshall Muthoni ESP Market had been completed and was ready for handover.

"The Nyeri Modern Market nearby is being built at a cost of Ksh324 milllion shillings to host 750 traders and the now complete Field Marshall Muthoni ESP market is ready for handover to host 300 traders," he concluded.