Barely a week after taking office, the newly elected leadership of the Dock Workers Union is facing several challenges, including questions over Sh82 million in union funds, dozens of pending disciplinary cases and strained relations with the Kenya Ports Authority.
The officials say they inherited a union affected by months of leadership disputes, unresolved labour issues and financial transactions they want independently reviewed.
Newly elected secretary-general Abubakar Abdullahi said the August 13 election had opened a new chapter for the union, pledging to rebuild trust among dock workers and strengthen accountability.
“Our priority is to restore the confidence of dock workers and ensure their concerns are addressed during our term in office,” he said.
Abdullahi urged KPA management to embrace dialogue, saying cooperation would be essential in addressing long-standing workplace concerns.
The transition was formally completed when outgoing interim national chairman Mohammed Mwasera handed over the union constitution, instruments of authority and files containing pending disciplinary cases to the new leadership.
The handover marked the end of a prolonged leadership dispute that had delayed the election amid court proceedings and legal attempts to stop the voting process.
The new officials are calling for investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission into the reported withdrawal and use of Sh82 million in union funds.
Abdullahi said preliminary findings had raised questions over transactions involving the union’s accounts, including loans worth nearly Sh80 million.
“We have found that all the money in one of the accounts had been withdrawn. Loans of almost Sh80 million were taken, and when we examine the breakdowns, we cannot establish how the money was used,” he said.
The union has ordered a comprehensive audit of accounts held at Bandari DT Sacco, Absa Bank and Housing Finance to establish its financial position and determine how the funds were used.
Officials also said Sh1 million was withdrawn hours after the election results were announced, before the new officials were registered as bank signatories.
Abdullahi said recovering any funds found to have been improperly withdrawn or used would be a priority, adding that anyone found culpable should face the law.
The administration also plans to hold consultative meetings with dock workers at the Port of Mombasa to gather their views on welfare, working conditions and other concerns.
Abdullahi won the secretary-general position with 1,042 votes against Salim Kumaka’s 581. Gunda Kaneno won the national chairman position with 825 votes against Hassan Shabura’s 774.
Abdalla Randani was elected national vice-chairman, Gideon Matiku assistant secretary-general and Idd Yusuf Mchangamwe treasurer. Naheel Hashil was elected assistant treasurer.
