Dock workers oppose port's privatisation

Mombasa, Kenya: Port workers want Coast leaders to push for amendment of the Mombasa Port service charter to retain its status as a service port instead of transforming it into a landlord.

At the weekend, Dock Workers Union (DWU) met elected leaders from Mombasa County to lobby them to oppose the landlord status proposed in the charter launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta recently, saying it would cut back on employment.

Those who attended the meeting called by the dockworkers in Mombasa on Saturday were MPs Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe), Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir (Mvita) and Khatib Mshatani (Msambweni).

Mwinyi asked the dock workers to explore all avenues to stop privatisation of port services before resorting to a workers' strike.

He said a strike is the workers' best weapon and should only be used when all other avenues such as dialogue have been exhausted.

Mwinyi warned Coast leaders against supporting the Jubilee government blindly, saying it would lead to sale of the port without them opposing such a move.

"Coast leaders should be at the forefront opposing privatisation of the port. I will mobilise MPs to support dock workers in the fight against privatisation," Mwinyi said.

However, Nassir and Mwashetani said it is not wrong to work with the Government if doing so will benefit residents.

The DWU wants Coast leaders to make a resolution in determining the way forward pertaining the port's future, especially following plans to change its status.

"We want our leaders to facilitate our audience with the President so that we can deliberate on the Port Performance Strategy with a view to revoke or amend the port community charter, exclude privatisation and enhance performance," said DWU General Secretary Simon Sang.