Kenya: Abukar Mohamed Abdullahi is the new General Secretary of the Dock Workers Union, following the results of the recently conducted union elections. Abdullahi secured 1042 votes to beat his sole rival Salim Kumaka who got 581 votes.
The position of National Chairman has been secured by Gunda Kaneno with 825 votes against Hassan Shabura who received 774 votes.
Abdalla Randani was elected as the National Vice Chairman after receiving 597 votes ahead of Moris Mayega with 409 votes, followed by Shafi Ali with 404 votes and Amini Muasya with 179 votes.
Gideon Matiku was elected as Assistant Secretary General in a decisive victory, polling 1,079 votes against Rashid Mwagasare’s 497 votes.
The results were announced by the Dock Workers Union Election Chairperson – Renson Toya and were tallied following a closely watched exercise involving union employees from various polling stations across Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) facilities.
After the announcement of the results, both Abdullahi and Kaneno welcomed the outcome and pledge to pursue a constructive working relationship with KPA management.
Considering this, Abdullahi as he comes to office, he thanked the Managing Director – Captain William Ruto, for his boldness and commitment in addressing union issues. He stated that he wants to assure him of the cooperation. They are not coming to engage him in battles.
He further described the victory as the beginning of a new chapter for the union and said that the incoming leadership would seek to restore confidence among members and will strengthen the employee welfare. Abdullahi said that they want to strengthen the welfare of employees and restore confidence in the union. “This is a new generation, a new Dock Workers Union.”
On his part Kaneno said that the union’s leadership would work to avoid unnecessary confrontation. He noted that a conflict-driven environment could disrupt operations at the Port of Mombasa along with a strategic gateway for trade in East and Central Africa.
The new leadership is expected to take office with a mandate to unify members, address outstanding welfare concerns and engage management on labour issues affecting dock workers across KPA operations.
Furthermore, Mitsumi, Monica Wanjiru and Austin Ogolla were respectfully elected to serve in the positions of Executive Zone-6, Gender Zone-7 and Executive Zone-8.
Meanwhile the following 17 officials were elected unopposed; Idd Yusuf Mchangamwe (Treasurer), Naheel Hashil (Assistant Treasurer), Nuru Awadh (Gender Chairperson), Ramadhan Tadicha (Male young worker), Joan Kiprop (female young worker), Alice K. Saha (Executive 1), Maurice Mwanyule (Executive 2), Shadrack Kerepei (Executive 3), Harun Hammo (Executive 4), Mohamed Chilembi (Executive 5), Matano Shakomboa (Executive 7), Christine Mwagande (Gender Zone 1), Mariam Hassan (Gender Zone 2), Donzia Izaka (Gender Zone 3), Zaitun Ali (Gender Zone 4), Mary Achieng (Gender Zone 5) and Lilian Onyango (Gender Zone 6). The elected leaders are expected to serve for a five-year term.