Mombasa County Union backs plan to recruit 3,000 workers

The County Government Workers Union in Mombasa has backed Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s plan to recruit 3,000 additional employees, saying the proposed expansion of the county workforce could help address staffing gaps affecting the delivery of essential public services.

The recruitment would increase the county workforce from an estimated 6,000 employees to about 9,000, according to the union, as Mombasa continues to experience growing demand for services linked to its expanding urban population.

Union Secretary Haji Mwinyi said several county departments remain understaffed, limiting their ability to respond effectively to the needs of residents.

He said additional personnel would particularly strengthen departments such as health and environmental services, where demand for county services remains high.

“When these 3,000 workers are added, we’ll have about 9,000 employees. Every department, especially health and environmental services, will have enough staff to serve Mombasa residents more effectively,” Mwinyi said.

The union has particularly welcomed the proposed focus on the environment and transport sectors, which it says play a critical role in maintaining the city and responding to challenges associated with heavy rains and flooding.

Mombasa frequently faces drainage and flooding challenges during periods of intense rainfall, placing additional pressure on county teams responsible for road maintenance, drainage and environmental management.

Branch Chairperson Abdurehman Omar Mwamagadi said the 1,500 workers expected to join the transport department would help improve road maintenance, including pothole repairs and drainage works.

“These departments face the greatest challenges whenever El Niño rains come. The new workers will strengthen the county’s ability to respond to those challenges,” Mwamagadi said.

Beyond staffing, however, the union has called for greater cooperation between county authorities and residents in maintaining public spaces.

Mwamagadi urged residents to avoid littering and dispose of waste responsibly, saying poor waste disposal can contribute to blocked drainage systems and worsen flooding during heavy rains.

“A clean city is everyone’s responsibility. County workers can clean the streets, but residents must also protect the environment by keeping public spaces free of litter,” he said.

The proposed recruitment therefore places the focus not only on increasing the number of county employees, but also on whether additional staffing will translate into more visible and effective services for Mombasa residents.

For residents, the key issues will include improved response to sanitation needs, road maintenance, drainage challenges and other services handled by the county government.

The recruitment plan now awaits implementation, with the county workforce expected to expand if the proposed 3,000 positions are filled.