OPPOSITION LEADERS ACCUSE GOVERNMENT OF PRIVATISING PORT OF MOMBASA

By Grace Kyalo

Opposition leaders under the Ukombozi Coalition have accused the government of moving towards the privatisation of the Port of Mombasa, demanding greater transparency in decisions affecting the country’s strategic public assets.

The leaders, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, raised the concerns during engagements in Mombasa on Friday, October 9, as President William Ruto continued his Coast region tour.

They argued that national infrastructure built using public resources should not be transferred or managed through arrangements that lack transparency and meaningful public participation.

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa also questioned the reported arrangements involving the port and other infrastructure projects.

The opposition said it was not against investment or development, including the proposed oil refinery in Lamu, but insisted that any transactions involving public assets must comply with the law.

The Port of Mombasa is a major gateway for Kenya’s imports and exports and serves neighbouring countries that depend on regional transport and logistics networks. Decisions affecting its management therefore have implications for trade, employment and government revenue.

The leaders called for greater disclosure about the reported arrangements and urged the government to explain how public interests would be protected.

The claims represent the opposition’s position and should not be treated as an established finding that the port has been privatised. The details of any proposed transaction require confirmation from the relevant authorities