Likoni residents demand Kenya Maritime Authority's merger with Kenya Ports Authority

Likoni residents are calling for the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to be placed under the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

The residents argue that KMA has done little to improve their lives and they believe that merging the two entities would lead to better job opportunities and overall development for the local community.

Residents have raised concerns about the high unemployment rate among the youth, despite many having pursued maritime-related education. They are urging KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto to prioritise local youth in upcoming job recruitments at the port.

Juma Ali, a resident of Likoni, voiced the frustrations of many.

"As residents of Likoni, our hope is that our youth will be employed. The youth are idle and sometimes turn to crime, causing trouble due to a lack of jobs. We appeal to the Managing Director of KPA because we are part and parcel of KPA in Likoni. We request that in the upcoming recruitment, our youth be employed," he said.

Fair job distribution

Another resident, Kassimu Katana, emphasised the need for fair job distribution.

Likoni residents during a press briefing where they demanded the Kenya Maritime Authority be merged with the Kenya Ports Authority. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

"The youth have studied, some even have master's degrees in maritime studies. It’s time we are given attention. There are jobs, and the allocation should be fair. As Kenyan seafarers, we should be given our rightful positions without discrimination," he said.

Mwanajuma Kenga highlighted the struggles faced by parents of disabled children.

"Our government looks after the disabled but ignores us parents who live with them. There are jobs available. As a parent, I can hand over my child and even go and sweep at KPA. With jobs coming to Dongo Kundu, we also want employment to help our children," he said.

Despite their grievances, the residents expressed gratitude to KPA for its community support initiatives, including the call for a school to be built in Likoni.

Maritime experts, however, have cautioned against the proposed merger. They commend President William Ruto for ordering the folding of 47 state corporations, many of which are loss-making, but argue that KMA's regulatory role, under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is crucial for the industry.

KMA oversees ship regulations at the Mombasa and Lamu ports, while KPA manages port services.

The debate continues as Likoni residents seek tangible changes that will provide job opportunities and improve their living standards.