Mombasa: A storm is brewing in Mombasa after leaders led by Governor Abdulswamad Nassir raised concerns over the recent Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) recruitment process, terming it opaque and potentially skewed against local residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, last year, KPA advertised 296 permanent and pensionable jobs that attracted over 500,000 applicants. The positions include Artisans (50 slots), Technicians (50), Administrative Assistants (100), Graduate Trainees (70), Assistant Ferry Masters (8), Laboratory Technologists (5), and Pharmaceutical Technologists (5).
Some successful applicants have already undergone a series of online aptitude tests, but many now remain in limbo regarding the next steps, as social media circulates unverified claims that selections have been finalized and employment letters issued.
Governor Nassir, speaking during the issuance of NG-CDF bursaries in Changamwe Constituency, said residents have been demanding answers from their leaders about what transpired in the KPA recruitment process four months after the vacancies were advertised. He emphasized the need for transparency and fairness, noting the significant role Mombasa plays in the region's logistics and transport sectors.
Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi echoed the Governor's sentiments, pointing out the lack of adequate representation of Mombasa locals on the boards of major parastatals such as KPA and Kenya Maritime Authority, despite their operations being based in the city. He urged leaders to advocate for their constituents' rights and representation.
Mombasa County Assembly Deputy Speaker Fadhili Makarani highlighted that many applicants had completed aptitude interviews but were only receiving messages indicating their success, while others had reportedly started medical check-ups. Makarani called for prioritization of local youth in job opportunities to counter negative perceptions about them.
The local leaders vowed to continue pressing for answers, ensuring that Mombasa residents receive their fair share of opportunities from the parastatals headquartered in their city.