Coast

Lamu residents decry hike in boat fares

Boat rides from Lamu to Mokowe. Lamu residents are grappling with a rise in boat fares. (Photo: Lamu County Government)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Locals are calling for a long-term solution, urging the government to construct a bridge to alleviate their current struggles.

Lamu residents are grappling with a rise in boat fares further contributing to their financial burden.

The increased transportation costs have affected their daily lives and economic activities in the county.

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The surge in boat fares was triggered by the flooding of the Lamu-Witu-Garsen-Gamba road, which has prolonged the residents' ordeal.

The residents said despite the road being restored, the boat operators are still charging extra fares.

Some residents from the Amu to Mokowe Jetty are now forking out Sh600 per passenger for a round trip, compared to the previous rate of Sh250.

Nyabwana Ahmed told The Eastleigh Voice that a journey from Amu to Mokowe Jetty now costs Sh300 one-way.

“At the moment, the boats are the sole means of transport which we use to visit the national and county offices located in Mokowe,” said Ms Nyabwana.

Recurrent woes

The residents noted they have been experiencing these challenges for the past two months, even though the journey takes only about 10 minutes.

Boat rides from Lamu to Mokowe. Lamu residents are grappling with a rise in boat fares. (Photo: Lamu County Government)

Sameer Kassim expresses dismay at the soaring transport costs, stating that once prices go up in Lamu, they rarely come down.

“The Sh300 is just to cross to Mokowe. Upon reaching there, you have to pay another Sh300 for a motorcycle to take you to the respective offices you want to visit. With the tough economic times, this is biting hard and we are forced to live beyond our means,” said Sameer.

He called for a long-term solution, urging the government to construct a bridge, saying this would alleviate their current struggles.

Salim Vae, a resident, called on boat owners to consider the plight of the residents, emphasising the shared suffering among the local population due to the economic downturn.

Another resident, Abbas Mzee, appealed to the Ministry of Transport, led by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, to intervene and strategise ways to mitigate the rise in fares.

“This is important, especially since essential government services are concentrated in Mokowe,” he said.

Lamu residents remain hopeful for a solution, with the construction of a bridge seen as a viable means to address their economic challenges.