International body's action against ferry where Mariam Kighenda's car slid off

The Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has confirmed that the international maritime classification society, Lloyd’s Register, struck off MV Harambee from its list of registered vessels in 2007.

Appearing before MPs on Tuesday, KFS Managing Director Bakari Gowa and Engineer Peter Mathenge confirmed that three of the six ferries operated by KFS were all written off.

In addition to MV Harambee, where Mariam Kighenda's car slid off killing her and her daughter, MV Nyayo and MV Kilindini have also been operating without the international accreditation.

The KFS bosses confirmed that they have been aware of the deregistration, however, they have been operating the vessels with licenses from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).

KFS further confirmed that the condemned vessels cost thrice as much to maintain as vessels that are within the 20-year service ceiling limit.