This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
On May 10, 2020, the Dock Workers Union (DWU) in Mombasa expressed strong opposition to the privatization of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). DWU General Secretary Simon Sang stated that the union is against the outsourcing of labor to private firms, particularly at berths 4 and 7.
According to Sang, workers from private firms with inadequate uniforms have taken over tasks in areas handling corrosives at berth 7. This has raised concerns about worker safety and the potential for accidents.
Union Chairman Mohammed Sharia and Treasurer Joseph Makero also signed a statement emphasizing the DWU's stance against privatization and the control of the port by a few interest groups. Sharia gave KPA management a 21-day ultimatum to improve the work environment or face both legal and industrial action.
The DWU is also opposed to KPA's decision to admit Covid-19 patients at Coast General Hospital instead of designated hospitals. Sharia claimed that 18 Covid-19 patients from KPA had been dumped at Coast General Hospital and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the patients to be transferred to designated hospitals.
However, KPA Principal Public Relations Officer Hajji Masemo denied any involvement in privatization, stating that it is a government policy and not a decision made by KPA. Masemo also claimed that KPA employees were only taken to Coast General Hospital during mass testing for Covid-19 and most have since been discharged.
He further stated that some designated hospitals took advantage of Covid-19 and charged KPA workers up to Sh40,000 per day for accommodation alone and additional costs for medical gowns, masks, and treatment.
