KPA workers win 10 per cent pay rise, better health cover in new union deal
The deal is expected to improve morale among port workers and support the continued growth of the country’s key maritime gateway.
More than 7,000 unionised workers at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will enjoy a 10 per cent salary increase and improved healthcare benefits following the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The deal is expected to take effect within three months.
The agreement, finalised this week in Malindi, was reached after successful negotiations between KPA and the Dock Workers Union (DWU), led by secretary-general Simon Sang.
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Apart from the pay rise, the CBA introduces an upgraded medical scheme where KPA will cover 80 per cent of the health costs, while workers will contribute the remaining 20 per cent.
Sang confirmed the completion of the 2024/2025 negotiations and assured workers that the new terms will bring a positive change.
“The negotiation was based on the public service recommendations, which called for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to consider proposals of enhanced salaries for parastatals and government departments, with improved performance to be considered in salary increase,” Sang said.
He said the commitment shown by KPA staff towards meeting key performance targets contributed significantly to the favourable terms.
In particular, Sang noted that workers’ efforts to help KPA reach the 2028 target of handling two million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUS) earlier than expected played a major role in the outcome of the talks.
“We appreciate that in the past two years we have had our bonuses, but the CBA will enhance our terms of service and motivate workers more to achieve more efficiency and increase throughput,” he said.
The performance of the Mombasa port has drawn national attention, especially after hitting the two million TEUS milestone in 2024.
In February, President William Ruto commended the port’s achievement and urged KPA management to reward staff with bonuses for their role in delivering this record performance.
Ruto said the port had moved over two million containers through its facilities, a development he said reflects the progress made in boosting efficiency and capacity at the key transport hub.
Meanwhile, Sang has cautioned politicians against interfering with port operations or trying to influence workers. He urged leaders to allow the management to serve without disruption and noted that the current leadership deserves another term based on performance.
“Workers are satisfied, and they should not be dragged where they were a decade ago by politicians. Let the management complete their term, and because of their merit, they deserve a second term as the KPA Act states,” Sang said.
The CBA is expected to improve morale among port workers and support the continued growth of the country’s key maritime gateway.
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