Mombasa: A section of port stakeholders has condemned political interference in the ongoing recruitment of 296 permanent and pensionable positions that have attracted over 500,000 applicants at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
According to Kenya News Agency, the stakeholders are now calling on politicians to keep off KPA affairs, warning that such interference threatens to derail the Port of Mombasa's strong performance trajectory. The concerns come against the backdrop of a push by some leaders, led by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and the Changamwe MP, calling for the prioritisation of residents in the recruitment process and the publication of a list of successful applicants.
The stakeholders, led by former Dock Workers Union leader Paul Abisa, alleged that there is a calculated attempt by certain politicians, cartels, lobby groups, and some human rights organisations to weaponise the recruitment process through misinformation and propaganda for self-gain. 'What is being presented as transparency is, in reality, a thinly veiled campaign to discredit and malign the leadership of the KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto and derail ongoing institutional progress for selfish interests,' said Abisa in Mombasa.
He added that the Managing Director's office and procurement department have long been targeted, with attention now shifting to the Human Resources department to advance what he termed as nefarious schemes. They defended KPA, noting that it operates under established legal frameworks, professional standards, and oversight mechanisms.
They argued that demands for the premature publication of successful applicants before the conclusion of the process are not only irregular but also irresponsible. The stakeholders further stated that the concerns and aspirations of coastal residents should not be exploited as a political shield, cautioning that the issue of regional representation should not be hijacked by individuals seeking relevance or political mileage.
'Public incitement and selective outrage are designed to intimidate public institutions and manipulate outcomes. You cannot demand transparency while sabotaging the very process that guarantees it,' Abisa stated. The stakeholders lauded Capt. William Ruto for ensuring equal access to employment and procurement opportunities.
They also praised his leadership for initiating impactful Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, including the empowerment of special groups and the construction and rehabilitation of existing classrooms. Some retired KPA workers admitted that they were employed with just a national identity card before the introduction of the current rigorous recruitment process, which now requires applicants to apply formally and undergo suitability interviews.
'When COVID-19 struck, it reduced physical contact between people. KPA introduced a model for conducting online interviews. It is the right approach, imagine a candidate from West Pokot or Turkana; some cannot afford transport, others fail to show up, and even those who do may lack return fare,' said Abisa. He emphasised that all Kenyans deserve an opportunity to work at the Authority, provided they meet the required qualifications.
'Capt. Ruto is performing well, and this is evident in the public domain. He should be allowed to work without political interference and incitement. Politicians meddling in KPA affairs - we are watching, and with elections approaching, we will judge them based on their actions,' he added. As the port undergoes expansion in Mombasa, Lamu, and Kisumu, the stakeholders also called for the reintroduction of the white card system to absorb more young people into the workforce.
'We appeal to the Head of State to protect KPA management, including the MD and his team. There is excessive politicking, including from cartels inciting the public against KPA,' said Abisa. Patrick Mangale, a Mijikenda elder, stated that the MD is not tribal, accusing a section of Mombasa leaders of advancing personal agendas in the KPA recruitment process.
On her part, Vera Maio noted that the KPA MD's leadership had been commended by the Senate National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee for promoting ethnic balance and inclusive procurement. She added that the pattern of propaganda is not new, observing that whenever firm leadership seeks to enforce order, efficiency, and accountability, entrenched interests and their political allies often manufacture claims to fuel misinformation and public agitation.