Human rights groups led by VOCAL Africa have filed a petition in the High Court in Mombasa challenging the Kenya Ports Authority recruitment of 296 staff members.
The petition was filed on May 15 in the Constitution and Human Rights Division. It names the Kenya Ports Authority, the Public Service Commission and the Attorney General as respondents. Co-petitioners include Muslims for Human Rights and the She Rises Organization.
VOCAL Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid said the process flouted laid-down procedures. He added that the group is asking the court to declare the entire exercise null and void and to order a fresh recruitment exercise.
KPA began the hiring drive in November 2025 and received half a million applications for positions with salaries between Ksh67,000 and Ksh132,000. CEO Captain William Ruto has maintained that the recruitment was conducted openly through an online system that selected the top candidates.
The petitioners argue that merit and regional balance were not properly considered and are seeking a transparent process in line with public service regulations.
