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| ITF Inspector Betty Makena (centre)flanked by other officials |
By Mwarandu Kombe
The International Transport Workers Federation has
called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i to smoke out all illegal
foreign seafarers operating at the Lamu Port.
The federation says most of the Kenyan sea men are
currently unemployed.
She noted that there is a need to create employment
opportunities to Kenyan seafarers.
“Most of the ships operating at the Lamu port have
employed foreigners. When will our own sea men be employed? Makena asked
Speaking the press in Mombasa on Saturday ITF inspector
Betty Makena said ITF jointly with other stakeholders will mobilize Kenyans to
a peaceful demonstration.
She claims most of the ships currently operating in
Lamu Port have employed Chinese seaman.
Makena also called on Kenya Maritime Authority to
intervene and find a lasting solution to the problem.
Meanwhile, Duad Hajj, Chairperson of Kenya Sea Farers
Association called on discipline amongst sea farers.
The chair says there is need for all unions to work
together in order to attract investors.
“Discipline is key in everything we do. The wrangles
we always have scares away investors in this country” he said
He accused a section of the sea farers on claims of
breaking ties with the unions.
Thabit Abeid, a seafarer accused a section of Dock
Workers Union officials of working towards their own interests.
Abeid says “most of the seafarers are languishing in
abject poverty while only a few people are benefiting from us”
He urged the government to intervene in order to
find a lasting solution to the problem.
“Most of the seamen we have live in poverty. I want
the government to come to our aid” he said
The Dock Workers Union and the seafarers union have been
in wrangles.
A source who sought anonymity said some of the
unions are fighting for supremacy.
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