Nairobi:The Dock Workers Union (DWU) Election Board says preparations for the union’s August 13 elections remain on course, despite funding delays that have slowed procurement of key election materials. DWU, founded in 1954, is a major labor organization representing about 5,000 Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) employees. Following a leadership change that ousted long-serving Secretary-General Simon Sang, the union is now led by interim Secretary-General Sulman Owuor.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Union’s constitution states that the main objective for its formation was to secure the complete organization in the union of all workers employed in the port sector. It is affiliated with the Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU-K), and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
Speaking during a candidate verification exercise, Election Board Chairperson Renson Thoya said the board remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election, pledging to keep aspirants informed at every stage of the process. “We want every step we make to be transparent. When we receive the original ballot papers and other election materials, we will show them to you,” Thoya said.
Thoya indicated that the board was yet to receive funds to print ballot papers, procure ballot boxes, and meet other logistical costs ahead of polling day, attributing the delay to ongoing wrangles within the union. “We have reached a stage where we need money. We need ballot papers and ballot boxes. We have already written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, but we require funds to complete this exercise,” Thoya stated.
He appealed to the union’s National Executive Committee to release the required resources urgently to keep preparations on course. Thoya emphasized that only registered DWU members whose pay slips confirm active union subscriptions will be eligible to vote. He mentioned that the voters’ register will be published once payroll records are received, allowing members to verify their details before polling day.
The board also warned KPA employees who have not picked nomination forms or been cleared to contest against campaigning within the Port of Mombasa. “If someone has not picked nomination forms or has not been cleared, they should stay away from this exercise,” Thoya advised.
Thoya urged members to channel election-related complaints to the Election Board rather than social media, emphasizing that the board is taking precautions to ensure no eligible member is locked out of the process. The August 13 election will be held at polling stations in Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu, Naivasha, and Kisumu, where there are port facilities.
Thousands of Mombasa port workers are in an election mood as aspirants intensify campaigns for various positions ahead of the giant DWU polls slated for August. Acting general secretary Sulman Owour faces a stiff challenge from former DWU assistant general secretary Abubakar Mohamed and a KPA operations officer, Salim Kumaka.
Separately, candidates contesting the Secretary General seat appealed for peaceful, issue-based campaigns. Abubakar Mohamed urged members to elect a leader “who knows the work and can improve their lives.” On his part, Salim Kumaka urged members to make an informed choice, saying “the choice you make today will determine your future tomorrow.”
