The Kenya Ports Authority board received 104 applications from individuals who expressed interest on the position of managing director of the authority as the shortlisting for the interviews began.
A source at the KPA board said only a maximum of eight individuals will be interviewed in efforts to feel the post left vacant after the resignation of Daniel Manduku.
Weekly Citizen has information to the effect that lobbying is so intense that parties who fear losing are even willing to move to court to block the whole process because of their own vested interests. The acting MD Rashid Salim, is among the applicants and also seen as a front runner for the post.
The acting MD is said to have applied in the eleventh hour, sources said. His move has left tongues wagging. There were initial reports that he had not applied for the position on health grounds. A source in the board however said he is among those to be interviewed. It is said that KPA’s general manager finance Patrick Nyoike is being fronted by ODM leader Raila Odinga. Raila, it is claimed, has been convinced by a top banker to vouch for Nyoike in the spirit of the handshake. Nyoike has been on the spotlight of EACC detectives over allegations of conflict of interest and corruption.
Rashid Salim
He had been suspended but he returned following intervention from a top ministry of Transport official. He is accused of using a firm called Nyali Capitol operated by his relative with accounts at Equity Bank to act as middlemen for KPA contractors.
Other than this, Nyoike is blamed for playing a role in which KPA sank a whopping Sh3 billion to the collapsed Chase Bank. The matter has been a subject of investigation by a parliamentary watchdog committee. Hopes of infrastructure GM Vincent Sidai landing the post have reportedly faded after it emerged if picked, his win would be challenged in court since he does not meet the requirement of having served for at least eight years. He has been at the port for only nine months.
Those who were behind Sidai heve shifted to the acting MD. According to the advert, those to qualify for the post should be holders of a Bachelors and Masters degree in Port Management, Maritime and Shipping Logistics, Engineering, Business, Social Sciences, Public Policy or Science and Technology from a recognised institution. They also must have served for not less than eight years in a managerial or leadership role in a large organisation.
Vincent Sidai
The candidates who have an understanding of the port industry and naval operations have an added advantage. Other top KPA managers hoping to land the post also include, general managers Sudi Mwasinago and Abdulahi Samatar of Kisumu and Lamu ports respectively. Alfred Masha, Yobesh Oyaro, Fred Oyugi are also port managers trying their lack, even though observers say they stand no chance as they have been frequent visitors to the EACC for various corruption allegations ranging from Sh40 billion Kipevu Oil Terminal, fresh water supply scams to pension mismanagement. And among the 104 from outside eyeing the port MD seat include Joseph Atonga, Stanley Chai, Arnold Mkare, Hassan Musa, Philip Charo and Irungu Nyakera formerly a PS for Transport.
Port directors tasked with searching for Manduku’s replacement includes Peter Gibendi, Cornrad Thorpe, Peter Njiiri, Mary Ngari, Alice Mwaisaka, Delila Kadzo, Philip Mainga, Oscar Eredi and Chairman Joseph Kibwana. Transport PS Solomon Kitungu is also said to be actively involved in the exercise.
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