Residents along Kenya’s coast are raising questions about the tangible benefits they derive from the country’s ports, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about privatization. While the ports are a source of regional pride, many locals feel that the economic advantages—jobs, revenue sharing, and business opportunities—have not sufficiently trickled down to the communities whose labor and land support these critical infrastructures.
Among the key concerns is employment. Coastal residents ask whether local people are given priority for jobs at the port, or if opportunities are dominated by those with political connections or financial clout. Similarly, questions have been raised about revenue distribution: are coastal counties and local communities receiving a fair share of the port’s earnings, or is most of the wealth concentrated at the national level or among private investors? Business access is another sticking point, with smaller local traders feeling marginalized in a system that favors larger, well-capitalized companies.
The debate has sparked wider reflection on what ownership of the port truly means for the coast. Many argue that whether privatized or state-run, the port should deliver concrete benefits to the people of the region—not just serve as a landmark viewed from Mama Ngina Drive. Civic leaders and community advocates are calling for greater transparency, local employment quotas, and mechanisms to ensure that coastal communities actively participate in and profit from the ports that occupy their backyard.