President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appointment of five of the seven top Kenya Ports Authority managers from Coast is seen as a sure way to win votes for Jubilee.
Political analysts say residents who have felt marginalised during state appointments are now satisfied.
The new officials are Catherine Mturi (acting managing director), Sudi Mwasingo (operations chief), Addraya Dena (legal manager), Mariam Khamis (head of security) and Amani Komora (human resource manager).
Kaya elders and MPs Gunga Mwinga (Kaloleni), Peter Shehe (Ganze) and Gonzi Rai (Kinango) praised the President.
Pwani University political science lecturer Hassan Mwakimako said: “Although these are executive appointments not political, the president has a convincing reason to urge Coast residents to return the favour come 2017.
Kenya School of Law deputy director Morris Mbondenyi said: “The port is dear to Coast residents and having them at management level is critical. These are qualified locals who will bring a sense of belonging to this most important parastatal.”
Mijikenda Kaya Elders Council secretary Vincent Mwachiro welcomed the appointments and urged Mturi to hire other qualified youth from the region.
Mijikenda Youth Forum patron Nyonga Makemba said: “Mturi surviving the axe and being elevated to acting managing director is testimony that the President is ready to address residents’ grievances.”
Managing director Gichiri Ndua and general managers Justus Nyarandi, Twalib Khamis and Mohamed Morowa were fired on Tuesday and new officers have been sent to the port.
