MOMBASA, Kenya—The controversial Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) recruitment exercise has taken a fresh twist after human rights organisations moved to the High Court in Mombasa seeking to challenge the hiring process.
Vocal Africa, Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) and She Rises have jointly filed a constitutional petition accusing KPA and the Public Service Commission (PSC) of violating constitutional principles during the recruitment exercise.
The Attorney General has also been listed as a respondent in the case.
In court documents filed before the Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court, the petitioners claim the recruitment process was unfair, illegal and failed to uphold principles of merit, inclusivity and regional balance as required under the Constitution.
The lobby groups argue that the exercise violated several constitutional provisions touching on equality, transparency, human rights and fair access to public service opportunities.
The petition specifically questions the manner in which KPA conducted the recruitment of workers under its employment regulations, claiming qualified Kenyans were unfairly disadvantaged during the process.
The organisations further accuse KPA and the PSC of failing to ensure equitable regional representation in the recruitment exercise, an issue that has sparked heated debate in the Coast region in recent weeks.
The court action comes amid sustained criticism from Coast leaders, activists and youth groups who have accused the authority of sidelining local applicants in employment opportunities at the Mombasa Port.
The recruitment exercise has triggered public outrage and intensified calls for transparency in hiring within state corporations operating at the Coast.
Activists say the dispute raises broader concerns about accountability and fairness in public sector employment, especially in institutions considered economically strategic to local communities.
The High Court is expected to give directions on the petition as pressure continues to mount on KPA over the disputed recruitment process.
