The Kilindini Waterfront System (Kwatos) has compounded the congestion problem at the Mombasa port, and authorities should run the new program parallel to the manual system, said Simon Sang, secretary-general of the Dock Workers Union.

Sang, who heads the more than 3,000-member union, attributed the congestion to teething problems associated with the new computerized cargo clearance system, which is leading to penalties for goods delayed at the port.

Users who have reported forgetting their passwords, thereby locking themselves out of the system, have added to delays, said Harry Abok, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) communication officer.

While the KPA says it will take three months for the staff and clearing agents to fully utilize the system, Sang argues that the Kenya Revenue Authority continues to charge for delayed goods, an issue he says he will take up with Parliament.

"The system requires change in legislation, especially the waiver provision, which gives leeway to importers to keep containers," he said.

Users should be given time to master Kwatos, and the KPA should create a separate working area for containers that have stayed in the port for 21 days, Sang said. Such containers attract warehouse charges, making it difficult for the KPA to shift cleared cargo.

Sang further called for the KPA to harmonize the salaries and allowances of port workers, who are working extra hours, in order to promote good working relations with the union and improve port operations.

In the meantime, the KPA said it has completed data clean-up and migration, which will make Kwatos more stable.