A lobby group from the Coast region has issued a two weeks ultimatum to the government to explain why it is privatizing the Kenya Ports Authority putting thousands of jobs and businesses at risk for the locals.
Taireni Amidzichenda group said transferring the Inland Container Deport to Nairobi and setting up the dry port in Naivasha was an evil plan to kill the economy of the coast.
Addressing a press conference in Kilifi town on Wednesday, they said currently the region’s economy was at risk as most of the developments and businesses associated with the port shall be meaningless in the near future.
Peter Ponda the Vice Chairman of Taireni Amidzichenda group said the former MD was removed as she was opposed to the cartels that were behind the privatization of the port.
“Mturi stood against those who were planning to privatize the port, KPA is now being taken away,’’ he said.
Ponda wondered why Coast legislators were silent on the issue despite the fact the plans are going to create an economic crisis.
“Many workers will no longer get jobs, many businesses will be the pout, we need answers why Mturi was removed, why do you privatize the port without involving the locals,’’ he said.
Humphrey Tsuma a member of Taireni Amidzichenda group said Mombasa has grown to its status economically because of KPA.
“There are people who have invested heavily in Mombasa because of the port, shifting all functions to Nairobi people will lose business, services, clearing and forwarding, transportation of goods will not be there because of SGR,’’ he said.
The Taireni group wants answers from the government, President Uhuru Kenyatta and the MPs from the region.