Article: Battle for Mombasa port: the proposed privatisation of Mombasa port has become a political hot potato in the run-up to the general elections at the end of the year. Privatisation is certain to improve efficiency but at what cost in terms of jobs? Neil Ford reports.(KENYA)

A long struggle over the fate of East Africa's biggest port is likely to be a central feature of the Kenyan political scene over the next year. The government has made it clear that it intends to transfer control of Mombasa port to a private sector operator in order to reduce the need for subsidies and improve efficiency. Both the practice of 'privatisation' and the pace at which it is to be implemented have aroused strong feelings in the country, both from the trade union movement and within parliament. With the rail concession process barely at an end, the government could face an even bigger struggle over port reform.

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