Assistant Director, Ports and Shipping Services

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is hiring a qualified and experienced Assistant Director, Ports and Shipping Services to join its Maritime Trade and Development Directorate. This senior management role focuses on coordinating, monitoring, and regulating the performance of Kenya’s maritime transport and port operations to enhance efficiency, compliance, and competitiveness within the shipping and logistics industry.

Key Job Information

• Position: Assistant Director, Ports and Shipping Services
• Directorate: Maritime Trade and Development
• Location: Mombasa, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time, Pensionable
• Experience Level: Senior Management
• Basic Salary: Kshs. 170,500 – 373,500
• House Allowance: Kshs. 35,000
• Commuter Allowance: Kshs. 20,000
• Application Deadline: 6th October, 2025 at 5:00 PM (EAT)

About Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is a statutory government agency mandated to regulate, coordinate, and oversee maritime affairs in Kenya. Established under the Merchant Shipping Act, KMA plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping and port operations. The Authority also works to promote Kenya’s maritime interests regionally and internationally while supporting the blue economy agenda and Vision 2030 goals.

At KMA, employees are part of a forward-thinking organization that values professionalism, innovation, and sustainable development within the maritime industry. The Authority fosters an inclusive work culture where leadership, integrity, and collaboration drive impactful outcomes for Kenya’s maritime sector.

Job Description

The Assistant Director, Ports and Shipping Services will be responsible for leading strategic initiatives that promote efficient maritime trade operations and sustainable port development in Kenya. The role involves coordinating national and regional port performance monitoring frameworks, implementing maritime efficiency standards, and supporting trade facilitation through the Mombasa Port Community Charter. The position directly contributes to enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness in shipping and logistics.

This senior-level role requires a strategic thinker with in-depth knowledge of maritime transport management, port economics, logistics operations, and shipping regulations. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, port operators, and the private sector, to promote efficiency, compliance, and innovation in Kenya’s maritime industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee evaluation of compliance with established Key Performance Industry Standards (KPIs) for maritime operations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework for port and shipping activities.
• Ensure that robust IT systems are deployed to facilitate real-time tracking and analysis of maritime efficiency data.
• Coordinate and report on implementation progress of Kenya Vision 2030 maritime flagship projects.
• Prepare quarterly and annual industry efficiency reports to guide policy and operational decision-making.
• Analyze, validate, and provide quality assurance for the Mombasa Port Community Charter performance reports.
• Coordinate the steering committee activities for the Mombasa Port Community Charter and ensure effective stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee the monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of the FAL Convention implementation in Kenya.
• Provide technical advice on the use of international commercial terms of trade (INCOTERMS) and other emerging maritime issues that facilitate trade efficiency.
• Contribute to the preparation of departmental budgets, performance contracts, and operational strategies to strengthen service delivery.
• Supervise departmental staff, foster professional development, and ensure effective performance management within the directorate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Port Management, Shipping, Transport Economics, Logistics, or Business Management/Administration from a recognized institution.
• Post Graduate Diploma in a relevant area of maritime or port management specialization.
• Completion of a recognized management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in maritime trade, shipping, or port operations.
• Membership in a professional body related to shipping, logistics, or transport economics.
• Demonstrated merit, integrity, and proven performance in similar or related roles.
• Proficiency in computer applications, data reporting tools, and maritime information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Maritime Transport, Port Management, Shipping, Transport Economics, or Business Administration from a recognized institution.
• Extensive experience in maritime cluster development, policy formulation, and performance management.
• Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to engage stakeholders across public and private sectors in advancing port efficiency and trade facilitation initiatives.

Benefits and Compensation

The position offers a competitive remuneration package that includes a basic salary of between Kshs. 170,500 and 373,500 per month, plus allowances. Additional benefits include pension coverage, comprehensive medical insurance, and access to professional training and capacity-building opportunities. Employees enjoy a stable work environment with growth potential and opportunities to contribute to Kenya’s blue economy transformation agenda.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed application including a comprehensive CV, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, transcripts, national ID or passport, testimonials, and any supporting documents. Applicants must clearly indicate the reference number of the position applied for.

Applications can be submitted in either of the following ways:

• Hard copy: Addressed to the Director General, Kenya Maritime Authority, KMA Towers, Mbaraki Road (next to the Little Theatre), P.O. Box 95076 – 80104, Mombasa.
• Email: Send as a single PDF document to [email protected].

Applications must reach the Authority no later than 5:00 PM, Monday, 6th October 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Successful applicants must submit valid compliance certificates from KRA, CRB, HELB, and a Certificate of Good Conduct. KMA is an equal opportunity employer; women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below.