Nairobi, May 25 -- Transport operators and civil society groups at the Coast have protested newly introduced levies at the Likoni crossing channel, warning that the higher ferry charges will worsen the cost of living in the region.

The groups said the increased fees would pile pressure on businesses and households already struggling with rising fuel prices, higher taxes and escalating costs of basic commodities.

The revised tariffs, which took effect on May 22, have sharply increased the cost of crossing the channel linking Mombasa Island to Likoni, the main gateway to the South Coast.

Officials from Vocal Africa, Fast Action Business Community, Tuk Tuk Association, Boda Boda Association and Taxi Association described the new charges a...