Number of unlicensed foreign drivers on the rise
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By Macharia Kamau Local truck drivers are protesting an increase in the number of foreigners plying the trade in Kenya without legal documentation. The Heavy Commercial Workers Union, a segment of the Transport and Allied Workers Union (Tawu), said the development is distorting the labour structures in the transport sub-sector to the detriment of local and foreign drivers who follow legal procedures. Mr John Muite, secretary of the heavy commercial workers union said the number of drivers from neighbouring countries working illegally in Kenya has been on the rise. Despite repeated calls, the Government is yet to act. "Local drivers are not opposed to their counterparts from the region, but we are concerned about those working illegally," he said. "They are taking a big portion of jobs available in the market and because of their status in the country, they accept poor pay packages." It is estimated that over 40 per cent of heavy commercial vehicles the drivers are foreigners and most of them do not have legal documents to work in the country. No action Muite said majority of the drivers working illegally in the country were of Tanzanian nationality. The Union says it has raised the issue with the Ministry of Immigration. "The matter is receiving attention through our regional office in Mombasa," said an official from the Ministry. Early September, Immigration minister Otieno Kajwang’ warned some transport companies accused of hiring drivers in the country illegally. Muite, however, said despite the assurances by the ministry previously, nothing has moved.