Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has voiced his displeasure in the government’s plans to privatise the Port of Mombasa.
While addressing Mvita residents on Tuesday, September 19, Nassir raised concerns about proposals to privatise certain assets of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
“Hatuwezi kubebwa kifalafala na bandari, mbona wasibinafsishe Kenya Airways?” Nassir posed.
Governor Nassir’s sentiments were echoed with frustration, as he pointed out the apparent inconsistency in the government’s approach.
“If we discuss the ability of planes to land in Mombasa, we’re told that Kenya Airways is considered. Yet today, they seek to privatise the Kenya Ports Authority,” he said.
“They do not have good intentions… if they could sell the water in the ocean they would have already done it,” Nassir retorted.
Salamu zifike – we won’t be taken for granted! pic.twitter.com/lWKhJnvzzq
— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) September 19, 2023
Nassir also called into question the government’s track record of addressing the needs of the people of Mombasa.
“Tell me, what has the national government done for the people of Mombasa? We will master the voice of the people against the voice of dictatorship,” he declared.
The Port of Mombasa
The Port of Mombasa is a critical gateway for imports and exports not only for Kenya but also for neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
It serves as a vital trade link, dating back to the 18th century when Portuguese and Arab traders arrived on the East African Indian Ocean shore for spice and slave trade.
