Port, ferry operations paralysed as workers strike over NHIF rates

Politics and policy

Police stand guard on the Island side of the Likoni Crossing Channel as Kenya Ferry workers strike over increased NHIF deductions on July 1, 2015. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By DANIEL NYASSY and MOHAMED AHMED

Services at the Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Ferry Services ground to a hault Wednesday following a strike by 6,000 members of the Dock Workers Union.

The workers are protesting the new National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) rates.

The strike has paralysed operations forcing top officials from management to man the toll stations charging crossing fees for motor vehicles.

This resulted in some confusion in the morning with some vehicles being directed to the wrong side as officials tried to fill in for those who had downed their tools.

It is expected that the port may incur some losses with several ships remaining docked with their cargo as the strike continues.

Dock Workers Union secretary general Simon Sang said the bone of contention is that the new NHIF rates were being charged based on gross pay rather than basic pay.