Sheikh Juma Ngao at a past function. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
The ongoing recruitment at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) should be stopped because it is biased, Muslim clerics in Mombasa have said.
The clerics on Wednesday claimed that KPA has sidelined Coast residents in the exercise which started in April.Led by their chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao, the clerics said the recruitment process should start afresh in a bid to protect the interests of the locals.The clerics further questioned why Kenyans from other parts of the nation, whom they referred to as outsiders, were being given the jobs while residents with the right qualifications remain jobless.“The KPA recruitment is selective, which is against the Constitution,” said Ngao, as quoted by The Star.Ngao said potential workers from the local communities have been sidelined in the recruitment, yet it will take two decades before another exercise is undertaken in the region.“After this recruitment exercise, it will take another 20 years for there to be another one like this. If our people are not considered now, when will they be?” asked Ngao.Ngao challenged KPA managing director Catherine Mturi-Wairi, to fight for the rights of Coast residents or resign. “If she cannot manage the port let her resign. I'm a degree holder and I can do the job well,” he stated.This comes after Senator Emma Mbura raised the same concerns, accusing KPA of sidelining residents.