Coast region Demands Appointment in State Corporations
By Tobby Otum
The Kenya Kwanza government has been challenged to appoint coast region residents in the ongoing state corporation restucturing program.
They applauded President William Ruto’s move of appointing some of them in key government positions but they want the residents to be also considered in the appointment of Chief Executive Officers [CEO] of state corporations in the region.
They refuted claims they are dissatisfied with the share of government appointments in the region.
Led by Umoja Summit Party [USP] National chairman Matano Chengo they want the government to spare some CEO positions in the coast region to local residents.
He argued the move is in line with devolution within the 47 counties.
He was addressing journalists at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mvta constituency, Mombasa County.
The USP National chairman asked the government to recognize that the region is part and parcel of the country.
Matano, who was flanked by Kadu Asili organizing secretary Said Mwanyoha, urged the government to ensure they spare slots for coastal residents in the ongoing government appointments in parastatals.
He insisted their passionate appeal to Ruto’s administration is in line with the philosophy of devolution.
“The truth of the matter is that we want our own CEOs in coast parastatals so that we have power,” he pointed out.
The USP National chairman urged the government to consider appointing a local resident to head the Kenya Ports Authority [KPA], Coast Water Works Development Agency and the Kenya National Shipping Company among others.
Matano, who also doubles up as Ukombozi wa Majimbo spokesperson, said that giving the slots of chairmen of boards and board members is not enough and cannot be compared with the position of CEO.
He told journalists there are enough people in the region qualified to manage state corporations in the region effectively.
“The local elected leaders have failed the litmus test to fight for our regional rights and that is why we have come out openly to speak our mind,” he pointed out.
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