The Coast People’s Team (CPT) has come out to defend the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), over the ongoing recruitment drive affirming that the process is being conducted in line with the law and established procedures.

In a statement issued by CPT Human Rights Defenders Programmes Coordinator Evans Momanyi, the group said it had taken note of a recent press alert raising concerns about the recruitment process, terming the claims misleading.

"We wish to firmly reassure the public that therecruitment process at KPA is being conducted in full compliance with the Constitution of Kenya, relevant public service regulations, and established institutional procedures,” said Momanyi.

He emphasized that the exercise adheres to key constitutional principles, including transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and meritocracy as outlined in Articles 10, 27, 47, and 232 of the Constitution.

According to the statement, KPA has put in place clear and accessible communication channels to ensure all qualified applicants are well-informed and given equal opportunity.

"The Kenya Ports Authority has consistently maintained clear and accessible communication channels through its official platforms, including public notices and verified announcements, to ensure that all qualified applicants are well-informed and accorded equal opportunity,” Momanyi added.

He dismissed allegations of secrecy in the process, warning that such claims risk causing unnecessary panic among applicants and the public.

"Any claims suggesting a lack of transparency or access to information are misleading and risk creating unnecessary anxiety among applicants and the general public,” he said.

The CPT further called on stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to exercise responsibility and seek clarification through official channels before issuing statements that could undermine confidence in public institutions.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has donated Iftar food supplies worth KSh 3.35 million to support Muslim communities during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the authority’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

Speaking during the Iftar food donation ceremony held at the KPA headquarters in Mombasa on Monday, Managing Director William  Ruto said the initiative reflects the authority’s solidarity with Muslims observing the sacred month.

 “At Kenya Ports Authority, we take pride in standing together in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters during this sacred month of Ramadan.”

He noted that Ramadan is a period of spiritual reflection, discipline and charity, emphasizing the importance of supporting vulnerable members of society during the fasting period.

“Muslims across the globe are observing the holy month of Ramadan, a key pillar of the Islamic faith a month in which the faithful commit their time to intensified prayers, reflection, charity and conviction,” he said.

The KPA MD explained that the food donations are intended to assist families who may struggle to secure meals for breaking the fast, enabling them to continue with their evening prayers and devotions.

“It is with this understanding that the Kenya Ports Authority has consistently supported disadvantaged Muslim communities during the holy month, recognizing that there are families that face challenges in securing Iftar meals,” he stated.

According to Ruto, the authority has sustained the initiative for the past three years under his leadership as part of its broader community outreach program.

“You will recall that for the last three years under my leadership we have consistently been giving Iftar food supplies to organizations and community-based organizations within the region,” he said. “This year… we are today donating food supplies worth KSh 3,350,000.”

The donation will benefit 25 organizations, including the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Mombasa Madrasa Teachers Welfare, the Assembly Ulamaa & Imaams and the Kenya Muslim Women Alliance, among other community groups and learning institutions.

Ruto said the program aligns with the authority’s core value of community care and social responsibility.

“At the Kenya Ports Authority, our initiatives are anchored in our strong core value, ‘We Care’, a statement that reflects how we engage with communities in responding to their needs,” he said.

He added that the partnership with religious leaders and community organizations would help reach more families across the region.

“KPA remains committed to investing in programs that promote dignity, unity and human welfare,” he said. “I trust that our partnerships between religious leaders and community organizations will go a long way in promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.”

The launch of the Warembo na Faya Movement in Mombasa has kicked off a new mobilisation drive aimed at rallying support for President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki ahead of the 2027 Kenyan General Election.

The movement was officially unveiled during an event held at the Hursler Centre, where leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Women League used the occasion to reject calls for political zoning in the county. They insisted that all political parties should be free to field candidates for every elective seat.

The event was led by the movement’s National Chairperson Joyce Lei, who commended the Mombasa chapter for taking the lead in launching the initiative. She noted that although the movement has not yet been formally unveiled in Nairobi, the enthusiasm displayed by the Mombasa team was encouraging.

“We want to bring everyone into this movement so that we can mobilise enough voters for our President and his deputy,” Lei said.

She also dismissed calls by some leaders suggesting that former Hassan Ali Joho should be considered for the Deputy President position in 2027, saying the current administration remains united behind Kindiki.

“We know our deputy president in 2027 is Kithure Kindiki. We have not been told otherwise. People have a democratic right to lobby, but for now we know Kindiki is our deputy,” she stated.

Mombasa County Coordinator of the Warembo na Faya Movement Swabrina Kanini said the group will intensify grassroots mobilisation to boost support for the Kenya Kwanza administration in the coastal region.

“During the last election we performed well here in Mombasa by getting over 40 percent. In the coming general election we are targeting over 80 percent. We do not want zoning in Mombasa,” Kanini said.

Meanwhile, Mombasa UDA Women League Chairperson Fatuma Barayan criticised leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for advocating zoning arrangements in the county, saying the proposals contradict the spirit of the broad-based government currently in place.

“We know our friends in the broad-based government say there should be no zoning, but we want to remind them that we will field candidates for all positions from Governor to Members of County Assembly across the county,” she said.

Barayan also urged women in the county to organise and actively participate in the political process, noting that leadership should address the challenges facing women without discrimination.

“Affirmative action funds must be shared fairly without malice. Currently we are seeing trends that are not encouraging. Women should not make the same mistake again in 2027,” she added.

The Warembo na Faya Movement is expected to roll out similar mobilisation campaigns in other counties as part of efforts to strengthen support for the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the next general election.

Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi has condemned the practice of sending students home over small remedial fees, saying no child should miss education because their parents cannot afford a few shillings.

Speaking during the Changamwe NG-CDF bursary cheque issuance ceremony, the legislator urged teachers and school administrators to be more considerate of the financial struggles many families are facing.

The event brought together parents, students, education officials and local leaders, with hundreds of needy learners receiving bursary support to help them continue with their studies.

Addressing the gathering, Mwinyi expressed concern that many students are often sent home for failing to pay remedial fees as low as KSh100, a practice he said must stop.

“No student should be chased away from school because of remedial fees. It is sad that in the morning you will find many students on the streets going back home after being sent away for failing to pay even one hundred shillings,” he said.

The MP noted that some parents struggle to even provide basic meals for their children, making it unrealistic to expect them to raise additional school levies.

There are parents who cannot even afford breakfast for their children, yet schools are forcing them to pay remedial fees. As teachers, you need to understand the situation many parents are going through,” he added.

Mwinyi, who previously worked as a teacher, said educators must show empathy and prioritize the welfare of learners.

"I was a teacher before joining politics and I never sent any student home because of fees. Sometimes I even stayed in school with the students to support them,” he said.

He emphasized that education should remain accessible to all children regardless of their family background.

The MP also announced plans to sponsor teachers from Changamwe to visit schools that consistently produce strong academic results so they can learn best practices.

“We will sponsor teachers from this constituency to visit areas that have been producing good results so that they can learn what their counterparts are doing differently,” he said.

According to Mwinyi, the initiative aims to help improve education standards and academic performance in schools across the constituency.

At the same time, the legislator acknowledged that the shortage of teachers remains a major challenge affecting learning in many schools.

"We are also engaging the relevant authorities to address the shortage of teachers from the Teachers Service Commission so that our schools can have adequate staff,” he said.

Mwinyi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), noting that bursaries play a key role in ensuring students from vulnerable families remain in school.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has dismissed claims of divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking to journalists in Changamwe, the Governor said political engagement in a democratic society should be allowed to proceed peacefully, but cautioned against attempts to portray internal divisions within the party.

Nassir was responding to questions regarding the planed visit by ODM leaders affiliated to the  Linda mwananchi group led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.

The Governor stated that ODM remains united under its leadership and rejected suggestions that there are factions within the party.

"There is only one ODM under the leadership of our Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga,” he said, dismissing narratives suggesting the existence of rival formations within the party.

Addressing the planned visit, Governor Nassir maintained that anyone is free to engage the public in a peaceful and lawful manner, adding that such political activities should not be sensationalized.

“In a democracy people are free to organize and present their views to the public. If they wish to come to Mombasa and speak to residents, they are free to do so provided it is done peacefully and within the law,” he said.

He emphasized that the people of Mombasa are politically aware and capable of listening to different viewpoints before making their own decisions.

"Let them come, have their say and the people will make their choice,” the Governor added, noting that the matter should not be blown out of proportion.

Governor Nassir further reiterated that the County Government remains focused on delivering services and advancing development programs for residents, calling on political leaders and supporters across the divide to maintain calm and respect for the law.

He stressed that Mombasa has long maintained a tradition of political maturity and tolerance even in moments of disagreement.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has  lauded the government for reforms that he says  have removed long-standing barriers that previously made it difficult for many Kenyans to obtain national identity cards and passports.

Speaking during an iftar dinner hosted by President William Ruto in Mombasa, Nassir praised the administration for streamlining the process of acquiring national identity cards, saying the changes have brought relief to many families across the region.

“Mr President, your administration has made it easier for our people to obtain national identity cards,” Nassir said. “For that we commend you, and we promise that the people of this region will remember these efforts.”

Nassir said the county leadership is now preparing to expand its registration drive to reach more residents who have historically struggled to obtain identification documents.

Nassir said the first phase successfully issued about 9,000 IDs within one month, targeting residents who had previously been excluded.

“After Eid, we will begin the second phase to reach everyone, including elderly citizens and marginalized groups who have struggled for years to get an ID,” Nassir said. “This is not about politics, it is about justice and ensuring every person can access their rights.”

He added that identification documents are key to enabling residents to fully participate in civic processes and access government services.

“Access to IDs allows our people to exercise their rights,” Nassir said. “Once they have them, we will support voter registration to guarantee that every eligible resident can vote in upcoming elections.”

On his part Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said the reforms have helped end years of frustration among Muslim communities who had long complained of discrimination during the ID application process.

“For a very long time there has been discrimination against our brothers from the Muslim community, especially when they were trying to get national identity cards,” Kingi said. “But since you came to power, that has become a thing of the past.”

Kingi also signaled a renewed political push from the Coast, saying leaders would rally residents to support the president in the next election cycle.

“We will now visit all areas across the Coast to rally support for you,” he said. “I want to assure you of our support. The votes that used to go to Raila Odinga will now be yours.”

President William Ruto has called on leaders from both the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to stop attacking each other and instead focus on delivering services to the people.

Speaking during an Iftar dinner hosted for Muslims in Mombasa, the President emphasized that political leaders carry a heavy responsibility to serve Kenyans and should avoid divisive politics.

The Head of State warned that constant political fights, insults and divisions among leaders only distract from the core mandate of serving citizens.

“We want our leaders in ODM and UDA to stop attacking each other. The responsibility you carry on your shoulders is that of serving the people. Stop the fights and focus on service delivery,” the President said.

He reminded leaders that Kenyans will judge them based on their development record and not on political insults or name-calling as the country moves closer to the next elections.

“Next year we willball be going for a test. Leaders will be judged by their track record and what they have been able to do for the people, not insults, name calling, tribalism or divisions,” he added.

The President further cautioned politicians against promoting tribal or divisive politics, noting that Kenyans are increasingly demanding unity and development-oriented leadership.

“Kenya will not allow a leader who divides people. Our country needs leaders who unite citizens and work for the benefit of all,” he said.

President William Ruto on Friday evening hosted Muslim leaders and faithful for an Iftar dinner at State House in Mombasa, where he called on religious leaders, parents and political leaders to work together to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among young people.

Speaking during the Ramadhan gathering, the President emphasized the importance of moral guidance and community responsibility in protecting children from harmful influences that threaten families and society.

“We ask you, as people who believe in God, to help us protect our children from drug abuse and the bad influences that are threatening our families,” said President Ruto.

He urged religious leaders and parents to play a stronger role in guiding the youth and instilling discipline and values.

“We need to come together as religious leaders, political leaders, parents and all members of society to guide and pray for our children. The issue of drug abuse is really affecting our society and we must not leave it to the government alone,” he added.

The President also addressed concerns regarding alleged discrimination in the issuance of national identity cards in the past, saying every Kenyan has a constitutional right to be registered and issued with an ID.

"I have heard several leaders here saying that there was discrimination in previous regimes when it comes to the issuance of ID cards. I want to say clearly that every Kenyan deserves to get an ID. This is not a favour; it is a right,” he stated.

President Ruto noted that his administration has taken steps to ensure that all eligible Kenyans are registered and issued with identification documents.

“My administration has worked to ensure that each Kenyan is registered and has an ID,” he said.

The Iftar dinner brought together a cross-section of leaders from the Coast region and beyond, reflecting the spirit of unity and interfaith engagement during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Among those present were ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Abdulswamad Nassir, the Governor of Mombasa, among other leaders

The Port of Lamu has recorded another significant milestone after the 9,000-capacity Pure Car Carrier (PCC) MV Grande Auckland made its maiden call at the facility, marking a major boost for the port’s growing role in regional and international shipping.

The vessel arrived at the port earlier today carrying 469 brand-new motor vehicles manufactured in Europe over the past two years. Discharge operations began mid-morning, with the vehicles rolling off the ship as part of a transshipment operation destined for the Middle East.

Initially, the cargo had been scheduled for discharge at the Port of Jebel Ali—the largest and busiest port in the Middle East—but shipping operators opted to reroute the shipment through Lamu, citing the port’s operational efficiency and strategic location.

The vessel was officially received by General Manager of the Port of Lamu, Captain Aziz Mzee, who presented a Certificate of First Call to the ship’s master, Captain Uros Golsuf, in recognition of the vessel’s historic first visit.

Captain Aziz commended Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd for selecting Lamu as a transshipment point for the Middle East-bound cargo.

“We appreciate the confidence shown by Nisomar Shipping Agency in choosing the Port of Lamu as the safest and most economical transshipment port in the Indian Ocean for cargo destined for the Middle East,” said Captain Aziz.

He described the vessel’s call at Lamu during its voyage from Europe to Mumbai as a major endorsement of the port’s growing efficiency and reliability.“The decision to call at the Port of Lamu on the voyage from Europe to Mumbai is quite fulfilling and demonstrates strong confidence in the port’s operational capabilities,” he added.

Captain Aziz further revealed that the port has continued to register steady growth in vessel traffic since the start of the year.

“From January to date, we have received 43 cargo vessels, including container carriers and fishing vessels. Since the port became operational, we have handled between 130 and 143 vessels,” he said.

Officials from Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd also reaffirmed their confidence in the port’s ability to handle international cargo efficiently.

Chartering and Business Development Manager for Africa, Munir Minas, said Lamu had emerged as the most secure and strategically located port for handling the consignment.

“The Port of Lamu has so far proven its operational excellence. In our assessment, it ranked highest in terms of security for the new motorcars and is the closest and most efficient route to the Middle East compared to alternative options such as Madagascar from Europe,” said Minas.

He added that the port’s strategic position along major shipping routes makes it an increasingly attractive option for transshipment operations.

Meanwhile, the Pure Car Carrier is expected to complete discharge operations later tonight before departing tomorrow for its next destination.

The successful handling of the vessel and its cargo further strengthens the Port of Lamu as an emerging maritime hub in the Western Indian Ocean and highlights its growing role in supporting global shipping and logistics networks.