Registrar Clears Way for Dock Workers Union Fresh Elections

The Registrar of Trade Unions has cleared the way for the Dock Workers Union (DWU) to conduct fresh elections, affirming that the union’s original election board remains the legally mandated body to oversee the repeat poll scheduled for August 13.

In a letter dated July 27, 2026, Acting Registrar of Trade Unions Ann Kanake told the union that the Employment and Labour Relations Court dismissed an application challenging the composition of the election board, leaving intact the judgment delivered on June 17, 2026.

The court nullified the union’s April 4 elections and ordered the union to hold fresh polls within 60 days in accordance with its constitution.

Court Upholds Original Election Board

Kanake said the Registrar initially withheld a decision on the election board after Acting General Secretary Sulman Otieno filed a supplementary affidavit questioning its legality. However, the court dismissed the application on July 20.

“The issue of the elections board has been dismissed and the court has upheld its decision that the elections board formerly in place before the impugned elections of April 4 should proceed to conduct the repeat elections,” the letter states.

Kanake directed the union to facilitate the election board as required under Article 15(2)(d) of the Dock Workers Union Constitution so it could discharge its mandate.

Registrar Calls for Strict Compliance

Kanake said the Registrar remains committed to facilitating implementation of the court’s judgment. She urged the union to conduct the election in full compliance with the Labour Relations Act, the court’s directives and the union’s constitution.

She also reminded the union that the court specifically directed it to conduct the fresh elections in accordance with its constitution and reiterated that it must fully comply with that requirement.

Countdown to August 13 Poll

Kanake reminded all parties that the 60-day timeline issued by the court continues to run and urged stakeholders to work together to comply with the judgment before the deadline expires.

She addressed the letter to Acting General Secretary Sulman Otieno and copied National Chairman Mohamed Mwasera and Acting Election Board Secretary Fatuma Shaffi.

The union has already intensified preparations for the repeat elections following weeks of legal disputes over the April poll. The election board and aspiring candidates recently verified ballot papers at the union’s offices in Mombasa as preparations for the August 13 elections gathered pace.