The Board of Directors of Kenya Ports Authority yesterday appointed Daniel Manduku as the new Managing Director.
This appointment has triggered a lot of reactions online as some congratulated him while others simply expressed their disappointment.
Kenyan blogger Robert Alai dropped his thought saying that Manduku is the most incompetent person to ever assume leadership at KPA.
The Board is however confident that the appointment process was competitive and based on a verifiable process.
“Following a rigorous exercise undertaken by the Board Of Directors of Kenya ports Authority (KPA) to recruit a Managing Director. and in order to attract persons with sound background. relevant skills and experience to manage KPA efficiently and effectively. the Authority appointed Deloitte Consulting Limited to conduct a search for the Managing Director through a competitive process.
This process involved advertising of the post based on the job description and requirements for the Managing Director. I wish to confirm that the shortlisting and interviewing process was not Only transparent but also based on a verifiable process.” reads statement in part
Consequently. following the submission of a shortlist Of three candidates by the Board of Directors. and in accordance with section 50) of the KPA Act Chapter 391 of the Laws Of Kenya. I have appointed Dr. Arch. Daniel Ogwoka Manduku as the Managing Director Of the Kenya ports Authority with effect from 30th November. 2018.
In the statement, the Cabinet secretary also gave thanks to the stake holders and general public for supporting the process.
Daniel Manduku had been serving as the acting Managing Director from the month of June after Catherine Mturi-Wairi was sent on compulsory leave on grounds of non-performance leading to congestion at the Mombasa port.
KPA board announced that Manduku will be acting for two months following his acting MD role. They later announced that they had extended Manduku’s tenure by another four months.
After his agreement to take up the acting MD role Dr Manduku faced alot of criticism from the coast politicians
He however dismissed calls by Coast politicians and Kaya elders who wanted him removed from the giant parastatal based in Mombasa because he is a non-local.
Speaking in his defense yesterday, Kenyans noted that the criticism he had been facing was purely a case of prejudgment. With some even saying that he is the new KPA sweetheart since he has put so much effort in doing what is good for the port.
Manduku is the most incompetent person to ever assume leadership at KPA. I wonder how the government will improve on port operations with this stupid appointment. pic.twitter.com/G6Bemz0Wlw
— Robert ALAI, HSC (@RobertAlai) November 29, 2018
Most of the known past MDs at the port were found to be corrupt to the core. You have pre-judged him harshly. Find time and have a conversation to pick his vision for the good of the country. For once try to have a positive judgement.
— Moiro Omari (@momari877) November 29, 2018
What are your thoughts on this new appointment?