Kenyans Fume at ‘Racist’ Rules at Likoni Channel

A Kenyan tourist recently took to social media to denounce the Kenya Ports Authority's alleged racial discrimination at the Likoni ferry crossing.

Recent reports have exposed a policy adopted by the KPA in 2019 specifying that except for foreign tourists, passengers must disembark from their vehicles and cross the ferry on foot. This policy was introduced to guarantee that foreign tourists have timely access to tourist sites in Kwale and the Moi International Airport in Mombasa. However, it has sparked fury among local tourists who are required to walk across the ferry whereas foreigners are allowed to stay in their cars.

A KPA employee explained the reasoning behind the policy to the local tourists but they were left wondering why the safety measure was not applicable to foreigners. Among the group of local tourists was Dr Amakove Wala, a renowned digital content creator. According to the KPA employee, foreign tourists are given priority when crossing the Likoni ferry due to security concerns. The Tourism Police Unit stationed there ensures their safety while aboard their vehicles.

“We are here at the Likoni ferry, we have hired a vehicle as local tourists ... wazungus [whites] are being allowed to board the ferry while in their vehicles but we have been told to alight and walk. [Is it because we are] dark [skinned]? Wazungu wapite sisi tusipite? [How can you allow whites through and block blacks?]” Dr Wala said in a live video.

This policy was put in place to promote tourism and ensure that foreign tourists can access tourist sites and transport hubs quickly and safely. Hajj Masemo, KPA's Principal Corporate Communications Officer argues that if foreign tourists were delayed for too long, it would negatively impact the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Industry players on the South Coast are urging KPA to address the ferry delays that have been affecting the tourism circuit in the area.

“If we let the foreigners get stuck at the ferry for two hours they will not come back and our sector will suffer. Tourists are given a priority when there is congestion,” explained Mr Masemo.