Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has opposed the Kenya Ports Authority's (KPA) plan to privatise sections of the Mombasa Port just days after the authority called for bids.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Offshore Fishing Boats on Tuesday, the governor questioned how the move would benefit the people of Mombasa.
He also demanded to know what feasibility study was done to lead to the conclusion of privatising the port.
According to the governor, the plan would only disadvantage the country and benefit a few individuals. He questioned how those employed by the port would retain their jobs.
He emphasised that he was not scared of speaking against the privatisation despite being warned against it.
"We cannot be taken for a ride, today they want to privatise the ports and when speaking against t those, in my office tell me to tone it down," he stated.
Abdulswamad further remarked he would combat the dictatorship cropping up in the country, especially coming from the national government.
He referred to the tussle in the western region over the planned privatisation of ailing sugar factories.
The county boss opined that the national government was out to take over Mombasa's resources adding "If they had a chance, they would have sold the water in the ocean."
On September 12, KPA's Managing Director William Ruto invited bids from those interested in the development and operation of private assets through Public Private Partnerships (PPP).
Interested bidders can choose from Lamu Container Terminal Berths 1 to 3, Lamu Special Economic Zone, Mombasa Port's Berths 11 to 14, and Mombasa Port Container Terminal 1.
The plan to privatise ports was first fronted by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposed by his successor who at the time was the Deputy President.
President William Ruto has since made a U-turn.
