By Dorish Moraa | July 9, 2026
Tensions remained high at the Likoni Ferry Terminus after a heated confrontation erupted between public transport operators, Mombasa County traffic enforcement officers, motorists and local traders over changes to an informal transport stage that has become a source of disagreement among stakeholders.
The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, July 8, exposed long-standing concerns over traffic management, operating space and the impact of ongoing infrastructure works at one of the busiest transport hubs in the Coast region.
The confrontation occurred at the mainland section of the Likoni Ferry Terminus, where congestion has intensified as authorities implement measures under the Kenya Ports Authority’s KSh400 million Likoni Ferry decongestion and upgrade project.
The project aims to improve the movement of vehicles and pedestrians through the ferry crossing by expanding infrastructure and reorganising traffic flow. However, the changes have reduced the space available for matatus, tuk-tuks and boda boda operators who rely on the terminus as a major source of daily income.
According to witnesses, public transport operators attempted to reorganise a commonly used temporary pick-up and drop-off stage in a bid to create more room for commuter vehicles. Their efforts were halted when Mombasa County traffic enforcement officers arrived and ordered them to stop the alterations.
The intervention quickly escalated into a standoff, with transport operators accusing county officials of interfering with their operations without prior consultation. They argued that decisions affecting their livelihoods should involve meaningful engagement with those working at the terminus.
As the dispute intensified, local traders and private motorists joined the discussions, supporting the county enforcement officers and expressing concern that the expanded transport stage was worsening traffic congestion and disrupting business activities.
The traders said the growing number of public service vehicles occupying the area had blocked pedestrian access, slowed traffic movement and discouraged customers from accessing nearby businesses. While acknowledging the importance of public transport services, they called for better regulation to balance the interests of all users of the ferry facility.
In protest, some transport operators briefly blocked sections of the road using their vehicles, demanding that authorities hold consultations before implementing changes affecting transport operations.
The standoff attracted large crowds of passengers and members of the public, many of whom were forced to navigate through the tense environment as both sides exchanged arguments over the future of the transport stage.
The situation later calmed after Matatu Workers Association Chairperson Abdallah Kadi arrived at the scene and appealed for dialogue among transport operators, county enforcement officers and business owners.
“We request that the next meeting be held in Likoni and that we have a direct audience. We want genuine consultation so that our livelihoods are not affected,” Kadi said.
He said transport operators were willing to cooperate with the county government and other stakeholders to improve traffic management but stressed that any changes should take into account the economic realities of the thousands of workers who depend on the ferry terminus.
The Likoni Ferry Terminus is one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors, linking Mombasa Island with the mainland and serving thousands of commuters, traders and motorists every day. It plays a critical role in the movement of people and goods along the Coast region.
As redevelopment and decongestion works continue, pressure on the limited operating space has increasingly generated disputes among transport operators, traders and government agencies over how the facility should be managed.
Stakeholders are now calling for structured consultations involving the Mombasa County Government, the Kenya Ports Authority, transport associations, traders and local leaders to develop a lasting solution that supports infrastructure improvements while safeguarding livelihoods.
The latest confrontation has renewed debate over balancing urban development with the needs of communities that depend on the ferry terminus, with many expressing hope that dialogue will prevent similar conflicts as the upgrade project progresses.
