The debate has been going on in the recent past whether or not to privatize the port of Mombasa. This came as the World Bank expressed their fears that the port was already operating at its fullest potential and the best way to fully maximize the use of the port is by privatizing it to handle more cargo. The port already handles 11 berths and will by the end of the year have reached its fullest potential of handling 20 million tonnes.

Maritime authorities are opposed to this move because it would reduce the port’s competitiveness compared to its rivals.

In a World Bank report “Running on one Engine: Kenya uneven economic performance”, the emphasis was put on the Mombasa port and the fact that privatization of the port would see the creation of new jobs and greater port efficiency. The report also mentioned that the planned privatization of the port has been put on hold because of the vested interests to expand the port.

In the meantime, Dock workers have planned to disrupt the privatization and concessioning of cargo handling operations of berths 11 to 14.

Source: Daily Nation