Activists faults leaders for opposing concession of KPA assets

Mombasa,

Thursday, September 28, 2023

KNA by Sadik Hassan

Coast leaders have been faulted by activists for opposing KPA’s plan to relinquish some of their assets to investors to boost revenue and create more jobs.

On September 6, 2023 KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto invited sealed bids from eligible tenderers for the qualification of bidders for the development and operation of Port Assets through PPP.

Lamu Port Container Terminal Berth 1-3, Lamu Special Economic Zone Mombasa Port Berth 11-14, and Mombasa Container Terminal 1 are earmarked to be developed and operated through PPP.

The activists accused the leaders of double-speaking and asked them to keep from discussing port-related matters since they have benefited directly or indirectly from the port proceeds. They defended KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto from any wrongdoing.

“When you give a 30-day ultimatum for our brother Capt William Ruto Who has brought tremendous transformation in the port to be sacked, if another person is appointed in acting capacity will claw back all the gains made by Ruto,” said Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa activist.

Momanyi implored the leaders to desist from dirty games and embrace development-oriented politics to uplift the youths in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

KPA, Momanyi added through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is improving school infrastructure and building a stadium in the Likoni constituency.

“The MD has improved staff welfare through payment of bonuses and promotions to staff who had stagnated for a long time.

Those who have experience but lack academic papers are also promoted. Let's not point an accusing finger at an industrious person who has scaled the heights from a docker, to harbour master and now KPA MD,” said Momanyi.

Juma Lubambo said leaders should be honest and account for all the resources given to them by the National Government instead of witch-hunting KPA MD who was appointed months ago and has improved port operations.

“They do private business and canvassing for jobs for their children then purporting to speak on behalf of the residents. The government should audit all the funds disbursed to the leaders and the project they have initiated,” said Lubambo.

Mama Ambasa said the leaders should exude leadership instead of blame games and hoodwinking the electorates during elections only to champion their personal interests when elected.

“Capt. Ruto is there to stay and nobody can remove him they are not the ones who appointed him. He has been promoted to the position by virtue of his exemplary performance while saving as a harbor master,” said Mama Ambasa adding that KPA employees have not complained.

Cornelius Ongowa Chairman of Bunge la Wananchi Mombasa said the port serves East and Central Africa not Mombasa alone.

He said leaders should redirect their energies to improving the county sports facilities which are in a dilapidated state.

Courtesy; KNA