KPA Jobs Row Lays Bare Politics in Public Service Recruitment

A dispute has emerged over the Kenya Ports Authority recent recruitment exercise at the Port of Mombasa. Nyali MP Mohamed Ali accused some legislators from the Coast region of receiving job slots that they used to place relatives and associates.

Mr Ali said he received no allocations himself. He claimed each MP and woman representative from the six coastal counties got two opportunities. The lawmaker said 629 people were recruited and threatened to release the full beneficiary list.

Human rights groups questioned the process. Haki Africa moved to court seeking to nullify the exercise citing issues with transparency fairness and accountability.

Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed rejected the claims. She admitted submitting names of qualified young people but said she received no slots. Even the two names she proposed were not employed she stated.

Coast Parliamentary Group chairperson Gertrude Mbeyu defended the recruitment. The online system minimised interference she said. Applicants had to meet qualifications apply interview and pass.

"Those who got the jobs are Kenyans with skills and qualifications. This is a good system" Ms Mbeyu added. She noted that Mr Ali could publish names if he wished.

KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto described the process as highly competitive. The authority received over 500000 applications for about 250 vacancies. The digitised system involved uploading documents and shortlisting.

Coast leaders have long advocated for more local hiring at the port. The facility supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs through shipping logistics and trade.

The controversy raises broader questions about fairness in public sector recruitment. Online platforms aim to reduce interference but debates continue over outcomes.

KPA officials maintain the process followed proper procedures. The row has drawn attention to how parastatals handle large scale hiring amid high unemployment.

Further details may emerge from the ongoing court case. The port remains a critical economic asset for the region and the country.