No decision yet to privatise port, says VP

The government has not reached a decision on the privatisation of the Mombasa Port, the Vice-President has said.

Mr Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday added that Coast leaders and stakeholders will be consulted and brought on board in the privatisation process.

Mr Musyoka said in case such a decision was reached, local residents would be fully involved in the process.

“The issue of privatising the port has drawn a lot of controversy and is causing divisions among Kenyans,” he said.

“I want to assure to Coast leaders and residents that the government is yet to make a decision on the matter,” he added.

The VP made the remarks at Port Reitz in Mombasa when he officially launched the Mombasa Container Terminal, which was established by Bollore Africa Logistics.

Earlier, Bollore Africa Logistics group chairman Samson Ndegwa had supported the privatisation of the port.

Mr Ndegwa said the privatisation of the port did not mean the government was selling the facilities to individuals but it would make sure the port was run efficiently.

“Privatisation is about partnerships so that people can get efficient services. Those opposed to the privatisation of the Mombasa Port don’t know the importance of such processes,” he said.

The Dock Workers Union has strongly rejected the privatisation, fearing it could lead to job losses.

Coast leaders are also against the process, claiming they were not consulted on the matter.

Others failed to understand why the government was privatising the port yet it was profit making parastatal.