Chairperson of the National Assembly committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Adan Yusuf flanked by committee members and Coast Development Authority (CDA) Ag. CEO Dr Mwanasiti Bendera briefs the media on the sidelines of a tour of the Authority's regional offices in Mombasa.
MPs have raised concerns over staffing shortage at the Coast Development Authority, warning that the deficit in manpower is undermining service delivery.
Members of the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities raised the concerns after undertaking a week-long fact-finding mission at the authority
The committee, chaired by Mandera West MP Adan Yusuf Haji assessed compliance with constitutional provisions on inclusion, equal opportunities and disability rights.
The MPs said the authority is grappling with a significant workforce gap following a government directive freezing recruitment, promotions and staff replacement in several state agencies, pending decisions on the proposed merger or dissolution of some authorities.
Since the freeze took effect, the authority has lost staff through retirement, resignation, redeployment and death, leaving critical positions vacant and unfilled.
“The constitution has given rights to the people of Kenya, particularly persons with disabilities. We want to know whether those rights are being implemented on the ground,” Haji said.
The committee also noted that CDA has not yet met the constitutional requirement of reserving at least five per cent of jobs for persons with disabilities.
However, members commended the authority for introducing accessibility measures for persons with disabilities, although they said some areas still require improvement.
“We have seen some of them are very good, but a few need to be adjusted here and there. We have given them advice,” Haji said.
At the same time, the MPs rejected proposals to dissolve regional development authorities, saying institutions such as CDA and Ewaso Nyiro Development Authority remain vital for addressing local development needs.
“I want the Ewaso Nyiro Development Authority to remain because of what it is doing for my people,” Haji said, adding that the same applies to CDA and other regional authorities.
The committee also examined gender representation, ethnic diversity and implementation of the 30 per cent public procurement reservation for youth, women and persons with disabilities during engagements with CDA and other agencies, including the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and the Kenya Maritime Authority.
Haji said the committee will compile a report to the Head of Public Service recommending urgent recruitment to address staffing gaps, warning that service delivery cannot be sustained without adequate personnel.
“We shall tell him there is an urgent need to fill positions. Without people, no services can be rendered,” he said.
