The newly elected Dock Workers Union (DWU) leadership has pledged to strengthen its working relationship with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) management to enhance operational efficiency, productivity and employee welfare.
The officials contend that the DWU is committed to pursuing constructive dialogue with the KPA to resolve workplace concerns.
Members of the DWU are unionisable employees, equipment operators, cargo handlers, operational support staff, and technical personnel working at the KPA and related maritime facilities.
Speaking during the union’s inaugural meeting with the KPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Capt. William Ruto, the DWU General Secretary Abukar Abdullahi said the union’s goal is to transition away from confrontation and avoid unnecessary industrial action that could paralyze critical port operations.
Abdullahi stated that the union was committed to supporting initiatives that enhance performance while also safeguarding the interests of port employees.
The union official said they are cognizant of the fact that modern port operations rely on digital integration, infrastructure expansion and process automation to cut turnaround times and reduce bottlenecks.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a constructive partnership with the management, noting that collaboration between labour and management is essential for improving productivity, operational efficiency, and the overall well-being of employees.
“The DWU would be seeking dialogue and constructive engagement with KPA management and other stakeholders in resolving disputes rather than resorting to confrontations as was the case in the past,” he said.
Abdullahi said that the union would encourage its members to uphold high standards of discipline, professionalism and productivity, noting that a constructive relationship between management and employees was crucial to the port’s success.
The DWU general secretary called for strict operational professionalism to maintain high ethical standards to safeguard the country’s growing maritime industry.
Founded in 1954 the DWU represents over 5,000 employees of the KPA across major facilities including the Port of Mombasa, Nairobi Inland Container Depot, Port of Lamu, Kisumu port and the Kenya Ferry Service.
“A strong partnership between the union and management is good for creating a safe, efficient and productive working port ecosystem,” he said, adding that the union will operate as a partner in progress.
He stated that the union is seeking to strengthen its membership, maintain proper records and ensure transparency in the management of its affairs and finances.
The senior port union official called for a sustained cooperation between both parties, adding that collaboration would enable KPA to meet its operational targets while improving the welfare of its maritime employees.
“Let us deepen the partnership between the KPA management and the DWU and work together towards a more productive, efficient, safe and successful port,” he said.
The new DWU officials announced that they would rejoin the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) as the labour centre.
DWU, under former General Secretary Simon Sang, officially quit COTU in October 2014 to join the rival Trade Union Congress of Kenya (TUC-K) after Sang differed with COTU SG Francis Atwoli.
On his part KPA CEO Capt. Ruto assured the DWU senior officials of the management’s commitment and readiness to work closely with the new team to foster good relations and advance employee welfare.
Ruto said KPA is out to foster a culture of responsiveness, empathy, and efficiency in public service delivery.
Capt. Ruto who was flanked by the KPA Manager Human Resources Irene Mbogho affirmed the management’s commitment to providing the necessary support and a conducive working environment to enable staff perform effectively and contribute to the organization’s overall growth.
“I am confident that we will work together to improve employee welfare and working conditions, promote staff development and enhance productivity,” he said.
He went on “you have my support, as well as that of the entire management team, to enable you to achieve your goals,”.
Capt. Ruto said KPA is committed to supporting its unionisable employees with the tools, resources and training necessary to enhance port operational efficiency, ensure sustainability and competitiveness of the maritime industry.
The Port of Mombasa is the premier maritime gateway to East and Central Africa serving as a critical trade lifeline that connects over 80 global ports to a vast landlocked hinterland.
The port serves a wide and rapidly growing hinterland consisting of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Northern Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.
by Hussein Abdullahi
