Kenya: A New Leadership Team Takes the Helm of the Dock Workers Union

Mr. Abukar Mohamed Abdullahi is the new General Secretary of the Dock Workers Union following the results of the just concluded union elections.

Abdullahi secured 1042 votes to beat his sole rival Mr. Salim Kumaka who got 581 votes.

The position of National Chairman was won by Mr. Gunda Kaneno with 825 votes against Hassan Shabura’s 774 votes.

Abdalla Randani was elected the National Vice Chairman after receiving 597 votes ahead of Moris Mayega with 409 votes, Shafi Ali 404 votes and Amini Muasya 179 votes.

Gideon Matiku was elected Assistant Secretary General in a decisive victory, polling 1,079 votes against Rashid Mwagasare’s 497 votes.

The results that were announced by the Dock Workers Union Election Chairperson Mr. Renson Toya were tallied following a closely watched exercise involving unionisable employees from various polling stations across Kenya Ports Authority facilities.

Speaking after the announcement of the results, both Abdullahi and Kaneno welcomed the outcome and pledged to pursue a constructive working relationship with KPA management.

“As we come to office, I want to thank the Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, for his boldness and commitment in addressing union issues. I want to assure him of our cooperation. We are not coming to engage him in battles,” Abdullahi said.

He described the victory as the beginning of a new chapter for the union, saying the incoming leadership would seek to restore confidence among members and strengthen employee welfare.

“We want to strengthen the welfare of employees and restore confidence in our union. This is a new generation, a new Dock Workers Union,” he added.

On his part Kaneno said the union’s leadership would work to avoid unnecessary confrontation, noting that a conflict-driven environment could disrupt operations at the Port of Mombasa, a strategic gateway for trade in East and Central Africa.

The new leadership is expected to take office with a mandate to unify members, address outstanding welfare concerns and engage management on labour issues affecting dock workers across KPA operations.

Said Mitsumi, Monica Wanjiru and Austin Ogolla were respectfully elected to serve in the positions of Executive Zone 6, Gender Zone 7 and Executive Zone 8.

Meanwhile the following 17 officials were elected unopposed; Idd Yusuf Mchangamwe (Treasurer), Naheel Hashil (Assistant Treasurer), Nuru Awadh (Gender Chairperson), Ramadhan Tadicha (Male young worker), Joan Kiprop (female young worker), Alice K. Saha (Executive 1), Maurice Mwanyule (Executive 2), Shadrack Kerepei (Executive 3), Harun Hammo (Executive 4), Mohamed Chilembi (Executive 5), Matano Shakomboa (Executive 7), Christine Mwagande (Gender 1), Mariam Hassan (Gender Zone 2), Donzia Izaka (Gender Zone 3), Zaitun Ali (Gender Zone 5), Mary Achieng (Gender Zone 6) and Lilian Onyango (Gender Zone 8).

The elected leaders are expected to serve for a five-year term.

Source : KPA