Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho has accused the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) of recruiting non-locals.
He said the port has been employing people from other regions to work at the company locking Mombasa residents out.
He said the move was contrary to what the government subscribes to, whenever an industry is located in a certain region.
According to Joho, an institution, industry or organisation located in a specific county or region, must first priorities locals in employment before recruiting non-locals.
"KPA is employing people who are not residents. We all know that Mombasa county residents should be given priority before others.. but that's not the case. Our youth are unemployed yet we know KPA is recruiting," he said on Sunday.
He was speaking during a constructive engagement with the people of Jomvu Sub-County at the Kwa Shee Social Hall.
The discussion mainly featured on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship especially in the performing arts sector.
Flanked by area MP Badi Twalib and other Mombasa leaders, they handed over part of the hall to a contractor who will be constructing a modern recording studio for use by local artists and also disbursed cheques to several women and youth groups from the Mombasa County Youth Enterprise Fund to help them in expanding their businesses.