Focus Shifts to KPA Officer Salim Kumaka Ahead of Dock Workers Union Election

Attention is turning to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) operations officer Salim Kumaka as the Dock Workers Union election approaches, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will enter the race for the union’s top position.

Kumaka, a former Kenya Ports Authority Defined Contribution Scheme officer, faces a crucial decision ahead of the August 13 election.

He must either proceed on paid leave before retirement or resign from the state corporation to contest for the position of General Secretary.

His silence has fuelled speculation within the union, where members continue to wait for an official announcement on whether he will challenge for the seat.

If Kumaka declares his candidature, the Dock Workers Union election is expected to become a two-way contest against former Assistant General Secretary Abubakar Abdillahi. Both are awaiting the constitution of the election board before campaigns formally intensify.

Meanwhile, Suliman Otieno Owuor, who claims to hold the office of General Secretary with the backing of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), declined to comment on the unfolding contest.

Dock Workers Union Election Campaign Gains Momentum

The union’s approximately 5,000 members are already in campaign mode following the government’s approval for KPA to pay employees a performance bonus.

The incentive follows the authority’s record handling of 2.24 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) during the 2025/2026 financial year, surpassing its cargo target.

Court Ruling Reshaped Union Leadership Contest

The latest developments come after the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Mombasa nullified the election of Suliman Otieno Owuor as Dock Workers Union General Secretary.

Justice Ocharo Kebira ruled that the April election, held after the removal of former General Secretary Simon Sang, did not meet the required legal standards.

The court declared the election a sham and nullified Owuor’s victory, effectively reopening the race for the influential union position.

As preparations continue, union members are expected to closely watch Kumaka’s next move, which could determine the direction of the Dock Workers Union election in the coming weeks.