This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
On June 25, 2021, the Dock Workers Union (DWU) held elections for its officials, but the exercise was marred by low turnout and confusion.
According to reports, several Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) unionisable staff were denied the chance to vote because they could not produce payslips.
Other voters complained that the names of their preferred candidates were not on the ballot papers.
Some voters were also unable to participate in the exercise due to their work schedules.
Despite the challenges, DWU chair Mohamed Sheria reported that the voting process had been peaceful, with a good voter turnout.
However, not all candidates were satisfied with the outcome. Selestine Osoo, who was vying for the treasurer's position, disagreed with the results, citing instances of late-arriving ballot boxes and missing candidate names.
Antony Odero, who was vying for the assistant general secretary's post, also expressed concerns about the voting process, stating that many members were turned away due to lack of payslips.
Edward Opiyo, who was vying for the general secretary's post, reported that the exercise was peaceful, but acknowledged that the voting process started late.
The elections were held after the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Mombasa cleared the last hurdle, throwing out a petition by a group of candidates opposed to the manner in which the polls were organised.
The court and the Registrar of Trade Unions had opposed the appointment of the 2016 board to preside over this year's elections, forcing the National Executive Committee to name a new team and set a new date.
