Mombasa leaders have called for increased inclusion of county residents in leadership positions within government authorities and parastatals operating in the region.
Speaking at the Orange Democratic Movement rally held at Tononoka grounds, the leaders expressed concerns over the lack of local representation in key institutions despite their presence in the county.
Changamwe Member of Parliament, Omar Mwinyi, led the charge, highlighting the underrepresentation of Mombasa residents in top management positions across various government entities based in the region.
He noted that while numerous government parastatals and authorities are headquartered in Mombasa, local residents remain conspicuously absent from top key leadership roles.
“We have many government parastatals and authorities here in Mombasa; however, the people of Mombasa are not in leadership positions in these organizations. We have chairmen and managing directors from elsewhere,” Mwinyi stated.
He specifically pointed to upcoming vacancies at the Kenya Ports Authority, urging party leader, Oburu Oginga, to consider Mombasa residents in the negotiations with United Democratic Alliance, for both the managing director and chairman positions set to be filled in March.
The legislator also addressed the broader employment crisis affecting the county, particularly among the youth. He called for consideration of Mombasa applicants in recently advertised positions at the Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Maritime Authority, citing the unemployment tragedy facing local communities which has led the youth to turn to drugs and crime.
Mwinyi further directed his appeal to Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho, and other government ministers, urging them to give due consideration to job applications from Mombasa residents who have been applying for government positions without success.
“Make sure that their applications are considered because when they get those job opportunities, they will be able to help our people,” he said.
The MP emphasized the need for leaders to actively champion their constituents’ interests in accessing government opportunities, drawing parallels with approaches employed by leaders in other regions.
He argued that visible benefits from government participation would make it easier to mobilize local support for national initiatives.
“We will support the government, but let us benefit and get fruits from this government that our people have been looking for, for a very long time,” Mwinyi declared.
Likoni Member of Parliament, Mishi Mboko, echoed these sentiments, endorsing the commencement of negotiations between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance. She outlined a comprehensive agenda for the talks, encompassing land rights, fishermen’s welfare, seafarer concerns, and employment opportunities.
“We shall enter into negotiations and we shall fight for our rights, be it land, fishermen, seafarers or even employment opportunities for our people. All these we shall fight for them and we shall not be dismayed,” Mboko stated, pledging unwavering commitment to advancing Coast region interests in the political dialogue.
By Sitati Reagan
