Raila backs Ruto decision on ports services

Tripartite talks

However, Raila said there must be tripartite talks between the national government, leadership of Mombasa and Lamu counties, and the concessioner before the leasing.

He added: "Before any concession there should be a tripartite of the national government, the home counties, and investors, to agree on how to share the benefit of the deal."

Raila said ports such as Singapore, Antwerp, Amsterdam and Dubai had made huge strides after the concession of port services.

"We want the county governments to get a fair share of what is coming from the ports," said Raila, who said Mombasa County Government should get a slot in the Kenya Ports Authority board of directors.

He insisted that Mombasa should get a share of the revenue generated from the port, saying port cities all over the world benefit from those facilities.

However, local leaders led by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir called on the government to shelve the plan to give all stakeholders time to consult and agree on how locals would benefit.

"We are not opposed to development, but a big decision like a concession of our only facility cannot be made without consultations. We need investors but we oppose privatisation of the port," said Nassir.

Mvita MP Sudi Machele said the port was an ancestral asset Mombasa people inherited from their forefathers that they will protect for future generations.

"The port is like our ancestral land. Privatisation and concession are the same things, and we are opposed to it," said Machelle.

Ida Odinga, who also addressed the gathering, told students to work hard and avoid drugs and alcohol if they want to be responsible citizens in future.

She asked parents to play an active role in ensuring the students get the right education.

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