Transport

Ugandans, Tanzanians taking our jobs, say Kenyan drivers

trucks

Long distance trucks. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Kenyan long distance drivers are up in arms claiming their counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania are taking their jobs.

A section of the drivers from the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Union (KLDTDU) marched in the streets of Mombasa city demanding that the Ministry of Labour intervene and address the matter.

KLDTDU Mombasa branch secretary Roman Waema claimed that at least 5, 000 drivers have been left jobless following “invasion” by their counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania.

“Our constitution is very clear on who should be given priority when it comes to job opportunities. We cannot allow foreigners to come and take over our jobs in the name of trade integration,” said Mr Waema.

He accused logistic companies in the country of recruiting foreign drivers in order to pay them poorly.

He said the foreign drivers are paid salaries that do not adhere to the general wages structure.

“A driver from Uganda is being paid Sh12, 000 for a job that we do for Sh40, 000. The employers are manipulating those foreign drivers at the expense of our jobs. This is not fair,” said Mr Waema.

“Trade integration does not mean taking away our jobs. We need to cooperate and set limits in how we do business so that we do not suffer,” Mr Waema said.

The drivers presented a petition to a Ministry of Labour official at the NSSF building on Nkurumah Road.

In their petition, the drivers who transport imported vehicles and other goods from the Port of Mombasa to neighbouring countries including Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Congo, asked the government to help them keep their jobs.

“A working relation where our counterparts pick Uganda vehicles across their border either in Busia or Malaba is ideal to strengthen trade ties between the two nations,” reads part of their petition.

Mr Joseph Oloo, a member of the union, said for the trade agreement among East African countries to prosper fairness in labour must be given priority.

“We saw some Kenyans being removed from Tanzania where the authorities there stated very well that their citizens are capable of doing those jobs and that should be the case here. We cannot remain mum and see our jobs being taken from us,” said Mr Oloo.

The driver’s grievances come in the wake of efforts by the East African countries to strengthen their trade ties.

Last week, lawyers from the region met at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa where they called on the governments to put in place policies that will allow smooth running of trade among the countries.

Despite efforts by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania authorities to address issues affecting cross-border trade, businessmen in the different countries have encountered a series of challenges.