Nairobi — Passengers to and from Lamu Island were yesterday stranded as the Government enforced the rule requiring all boats to have life jackets for safety purposes.

The rule, being enforced by the Kenya Ports Authority and the police, led to a transport crisis.

Most of the boats had not complied with the life jackets order at the expiry of a notice issued about two months ago.

Some of the travellers who opted to make connection in Malindi and Mombasa paid Sh400 each to be taken across by speed boats that had complied with the new rule.

"They normally charge Sh100 while the other bigger boats charge Sh50," said a Lamu councillor, Mr Abdalla Saary.

According to a Nation survey, the cheapest life jacket costs Sh2,500.

Lamu West MP Fahim Twaha called on the Government to give boat owners more time.

Meanwhile, all heavy commercial vehicles and transport buses will soon be required to have two drivers at any time on the road.

Two drivers rule

Speaking after addressing public service vehicle owners and crew in Eldoret Town, Transport Licensing Board chairman Hassan ole Kamwaro also hinted that the eight weighbridges in the country would be removed.

He said a team comprising experts in transport had made recommendations which were awaiting the approval of Transport minister Ali Mwakwere.