Mombasa: Seafarers have raised concerns over a lack of transparency and accountability within the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), accusing the agency of corruption and discrimination in resource allocation. During a gathering in Mombasa, a group of seafarers voiced their frustrations, claiming these issues are hindering their opportunities in the global shipping industry.
According to Kenya News Agency, veteran seafarer Hassan Kombo expressed that while seafarers have significant opportunities worldwide, poor leadership is causing them to miss out on potential fortunes. Kombo and his colleagues urged Hassan Joho, the Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, to visit Bandari Maritime Academy and engage in dialogue to address these challenges. They emphasized the need for government intervention to ensure that maritime education remains accessible and affordable, criticizing the current costly options at private institutions.
In addition, the Capital Youth Caucus Association (CYCA) openly crit
icized the KMA for alleged misuse of public office and lack of accountability. The CYCA, a rights advocacy group, reported numerous public complaints about mismanagement, corruption, and irregularities in tendering processes. Evans Momanyi, CYCA’s Secretary-General, pledged to pursue these issues through legal channels, highlighting potential violations of constitutional and statutory regulations by KMA’s management and board.
Momanyi called for thorough investigations into corruption or ethical violations, citing complaints from seafarers, businesspeople, and suppliers about discrimination and extortion by senior KMA officers. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to holding public officials accountable and urged for responsible use of public funds to benefit the youth through the blue economy sector.
Momanyi also pointed out the urgent need to address youth unemployment, suggesting that funds currently being misappropriated could be used to train young people for further education and stable employm
ent. CYCA has submitted documentation to government agencies, seeking attention to these pressing issues.
