The Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) Mombasa branch’s newly elected officials have called for unity to advance members’ interests and tackle long-standing industry challenges following a hotly contested election in March.
The elections, held on 26th March at the Bandari Maritime Academy, were marred by chaos after some candidates, sensing defeat, switched off the microphone during the announcement of the chairperson’s results.
In a letter dated 30th March 2026, the Registrar of Societies, Teresia Gathagu, confirmed that Leonard Njiru was duly elected as KIFWA Mombasa branch chairperson. Others elected included Mary June (Vice chairperson), Clement Ngala (Secretary), and Wycliffe Adele (Treasurer) for a three-year term.
Newly elected chairperson said police are investigating the violence that erupted during the announcement of results, which led to the destruction of property at the academy, adding that those found culpable will be charged in accordance with the law.
“When you prevent the announcement of a winner, you do not stop the declaration of that person as the duly elected leader,” Njiru said at KIFWA’s office.
“We want to advise our worthy opponents to desist from unnecessary propaganda, confusion, and disinformation, as though the election did not take place,” he added.
The chairperson affirmed that the new leadership is determined to address industry challenges through collaboration with various government agencies and will not be distracted. “We remain focused on solving the myriad issues we are facing,” said the new chairman.
He further noted that they are keen to resolve motor vehicle valuation concerns, the mounting backlog of empty containers filling depots and resulting in huge demurrage charges, as well as the newly introduced levy by the National Environment Management Authority.
“We also have challenges in the handling of transit cargo, which has been a pain in the neck for far too long,” said Njiru.
During his term, the chairperson aims to ensure the transformative Kenya Customs Agents and Freight Forwarders Bill is enacted, introduce an annual gala to recognize top-performing members, promote the empowerment of women and youth in logistics, and roll out the East Africa Customs Bond in conjunction with a consortium of insurance firms.
Branch Vice chairperson Mary June urged candidates who lost the election to join hands with the new leadership to steer the association to greater heights, noting that “there is strength in unity,”.
She also advised members aspiring to vie in future elections to be prepared to concede defeat gracefully rather than disrupt the association.
“In any given election, there are two outcomes. You can either emerge as a winner or come out having been defeated, and you need to prepare for both scenarios,” she stated.
Branch secretary Clement Ngala said the election outcome has been settled and should now be put behind, urging members to support the new leadership, noting that power is transient.
“It moves from person to person and changes in shape and form. We are advising our members to stay put, trust the process, and be ready to accommodate any issues that may arise as we address industry challenges,” said Ngala.
By Sadik Hassan
