A section of Mombasa residents is appealing to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to reintroduce the white card jobs to address rising unemployment so as to keep the youth away from drugs and substance abuse.
The casual system, famously known as the white card, was abolished 16 years ago, whereby KPA used to hire casual laborers to work at the Port on a three-month renewable contract. The system was lauded for addressing the job shortage in the coastal city.
“The white card was instrumental to many youths. It was the stepping stone to employment. We want the Managing Director, through the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, to consider the reintroduction of the white card,” said Mr John Walele, a Mombasa resident.
“It will reduce the number of youths in dens abusing drugs and enlist them to be self-reliant and productive in society,” he added.
At the same time, Mr Walele lauded the efficiency at the Port of Mombasa and the transparency in the awarding of tenders under the leadership of KPA MD Capt. William Ruto.
The move to transfer port services back to Mombasa when the Kenya Kwanza administration took over power in 2022, he noted, has breathed a new lease of life into the Port City as businesses are now booming.
“The President fulfilled his campaign pledge of returning port services to Mombasa. We now have a congestion of trucks everywhere, a clear testimony that Clearing and Forwarding agents are back to work and more people have been employed,” stated Mr Walele.
He added that major roads leading to the country’s commercial areas are a beehive of activity, as most auxiliary businesses, from restaurants and vehicle showrooms to hotels, have rebounded.
“We appeal for the youth to be given opportunities, and we are also calling for transparency in employment. We understand that there are challenges in employment as universities yearly churn out one million youth while the government can only employ 200,000 in a year,” he said.
In comparison to previous MDs who served at the Port, Walele observed that under the helm of Capt. Ruto, the authority’s revenue has surged, contributing to the economic development of Mombasa and the country as a whole.
He further challenged the youth, women and Persons Living with Disabilities to seize procurement opportunities at the Port to improve their livelihoods.
“It’s our time to improve our lives. They should apply and shouldn’t be discouraged by anyone because KPA serves all citizens. We should look for the opportunities.”
Mr Tsuma Mwangale echoed the sentiments, saying the return of port services heralded a new beginning to businesses and employees who were laid off after companies shifted to Nairobi and Naivasha.
“We want these youths called Gen-Z when employment opportunities are available to be considered, even though we will not be able to employ all of them, but we will reduce the numbers,” he stated.
On her part, Bahati Mwaringa wants women and youth to be given priority in procurement and employment opportunities to cater for the household needs.
“Our youth should have jobs so they can care for their parents. When they don’t have jobs, we live in constant fear, as we may receive reports that our child has stolen or is indulging in drug abuse. If they are engaged, they won’t engage in indecorous behaviour,” she said.
By Sadik Hassan
