Senate Speaker Kingi Under Fire for Alleged Meddling in Kenya Ports Authority Affairs

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has come under sharp criticism from Kwale County residents who accuse him of interfering with the management of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

The residents have urged the former Kilifi County governor to focus on his legislative duties and stay out of port operations.

During a press conference held at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa County yesterday, community leaders expressed concern over what they described as Kingi’s attempts to block the contract renewal of current KPA Board Chairman Benjamin Tayari.

“We want the Senate Speaker to concentrate on his work at the Senate and prepare for the tough political battles ahead rather than meddling in port affairs,” said Patrick Mangale, who led the group alongside Daniel Kitsao and several Mijikenda elders.

The group claimed that Kingi, whom they initially referred to only as “a powerful politician from Kilifi County who has served as cabinet minister and county governor,” is allegedly lobbying for a former KPA managing director from his home area to replace Tayari.

“When someone from Kilifi County served as the authority’s board chairman, we, Kwale residents, rallied our support behind him despite his tenure being extended beyond the required limit by the former regime,” the residents pointed out, questioning why Kingi would now oppose Tayari’s contract extension.

Port Performance Improvements

Mangale highlighted significant achievements under the current leadership of KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto and Board Chairman Tayari, noting their collaborative approach has created a friendly business environment at the port.

“When these two took over the facility’s management, the port had recorded 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Before the end of their first year, this figure rose to 1.6 million TEUs,” Mangale stated.

The group further revealed that in less than two years under the current leadership, the port recently achieved a milestone of 2 million TEUs, a performance that resulted in bonus payments for KPA employees.

“The business has thrived despite regional and global challenges,” added Mangale, attributing this success to the shared vision between the managing director and board chairman.

The Senate Speaker has not yet responded to these allegations. The Kenya Ports Authority ranks among the country’s most strategic assets, serving as the gateway for imports and exports throughout East and Central Africa.