Politicians, union officials and civil society groups have vowed to block the privatisation of Mombasa port unless more consultations are held.

"We understand powerful individuals have positioned themselves to take over the port but we are not going to allow this to happen," said Galole MP Dhado Godhana on Wednesday.

"We will present a plan to Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta on how the privatisation should benefit locals," he said.

The Cabinet approved the privatisation of the Eldoret Container Terminal, stevedoring services and development of berths 11 to 14 last December.

Other MPs opposed to the plan are Gideon Mung'aro (Malindi), Dan Mwazo (Voi), Mohamed Sheikh Dor and Shakila Abdalla (nominated) and Ben Gunda (Bahari).

The MPs are also unhappy with Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere's support for the privatisation.

Mr Gunda said the Coast Parliamentary Group last week summoned the minister to explain his position.

Although Mr Mwakwere has not declared a change of heart, he is said to be softening his stance due to the pressure.

Dock Workers Union secretary general Simon Sang said it was feared more than 4,000 jobs would be lost.

Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) executive director Hussein Khalid said the privatisation would impoverish the Coast people."Kenyans will lose billions of shillings to a few individuals," he said.

Last year, Kenya Ports Authority recorded a Sh5.3 billion profit.

"Muhuri will use all means to ensure the port does not fall into the hands of a few greedy and corrupt individuals," he said.

And Coast Youth Leaders Network coordinator Dimka Matano said the port should be co-owned by investors and organisations like the Coast Development Authority and saccos.