Coastal youths threaten to 'occupy' KPA to demand for jobs, tenders

A section of youths from the coastal region has threatened to occupy the gates of the Port of Mombasa to demand jobs and tenders promised by President William Ruto during campaigns.

The youths from the six coastal counties said President Ruto has failed to fulfil the pact he signed with Senate Speaker Amason Kingi's Pamoja Africa Alliance (PAA) in March 2022.

Ruto signed a political agreement with PAA, promising the Coast people secure state jobs, an end to the squatter issue, and the revival of collapsed factories once he is elected president.

In the deal, Ruto committed to prioritizing youth in the region for the issuance of tenders and employment opportunities at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu.

On Tuesday, the protests aimed to pressure the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Auditor General to conduct a special audit on employment and tendering at the port.

Mkare said that KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto has 14 days to submit the employment register and contracts he has awarded over the past two years; failure to comply will result in the occupation of all port facilities.

“We want an audited register of all staff employed at the KPA to see the dirt that is ongoing at the port. Most coast leaders are quiet because they are awarded tenders through proxies, said Mkare.

“In 14 days, if the documents requested are not availed, we will walk to KPA and occupy all KPA facilities within the Coast Region so that this impunity comes to an end,” said Mkare.

Taita Taveta youth leader Robert Mwakumbaku stated that youths, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and women are not receiving job opportunities or tenders at the port facilities in Taita Taveta.

Mwakumbaku stated that the Ports MD must ensure employment opportunities and tenders are awarded to residents.

“Captain Ruto, you have to stand up and do your job and ensure these opportunities are given to the Coastal people as the constitution demands,’ said Mwakumbaku.

Lamu Youth Leader Mohamed Mbaruk stated that despite having a port in Lamu, it has become a site that does not benefit the local community.

“We do not want the port to be just another facility that we just sit and watch. We are well learnt and can competitively execute the jobs available at Lamu Port. We are proud of Lamu and the port, but now unemployment is high, and youths are hungry.

Mbaruk said the leaders are selling the employment positions and giving them to families and friends.