Principal Legal Officer

Bandari Maritime Academy is seeking a qualified legal professional for the position of Principal Legal Officer in its legal services function. The position is based within the Academy and offers an opportunity to support legal compliance, contracts, litigation, legal advisory services, and protection of the Academy’s interests.

Key Job Information

• Employer: Bandari Maritime Academy
• Job Title: Principal Legal Officer
• Reference Number: BMA/26/CEO/PLO/11
• Job Grade: BMA 5
• Basic Salary: Kshs. 89,000 – Kshs. 206,400 per month
• House Allowance: Kshs. 25,000
• Commuter Allowance: Kshs. 16,000
• Leave Allowance: Kshs. 6,000
• Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable
• Reporting To: Corporation Secretary and Head of Legal Services

About Bandari Maritime Academy

Bandari Maritime Academy was established through Legal Notice No. 233 of 28th November 2018. Its mandate is to develop academic and vocational skills and provide competent maritime human resources for a sustainable Blue Economy.

About the Role

The Principal Legal Officer will provide legal support to Bandari Maritime Academy across matters involving legal interpretation, statutory compliance, contracts, litigation, legal documentation, and the protection of the Academy’s interests.

The role also involves conducting legal research, reviewing legal instruments, maintaining case records, following up on the legal status of Academy assets and liabilities, and liaising with the Office of the Attorney General on legal matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare legal briefs and legal opinions on matters affecting the Academy.
• Interpret legal issues and provide appropriate legal guidance.
• Follow up on compliance with statutory requirements.
• Draft contracts, leases, memorandums of understanding and other legal documents.
• Represent the Academy in litigation and other legal matters.
• Open and update case registers and files relating to the Academy.
• Prepare case files for hearings and follow up on related legal matters.
• Monitor the legal status of the Academy’s assets, liabilities and claims.
• Identify issues and areas requiring legal review.
• Review legal documents and legal instruments.
• Safeguard the interests of the Academy in all legal matters.
• Liaise with the Office of the Attorney General on legal matters.
• Undertake research on specific areas of law.
• Prepare legal reports as required.

Required Qualifications

• A cumulative service period of at least six (6) years of relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been at the grade of Senior Legal Officer or in a comparable position.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Laws (LLB) from a recognized institution.
• A Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
• Be an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Be a member of the Law Society of Kenya.
• A management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in computer application skills.

Benefits and Compensation

The Principal Legal Officer position is offered on permanent and pensionable terms. The position carries a basic salary scale of Kshs. 89,000 – Kshs. 206,400 per month, together with a house allowance of Kshs. 25,000, commuter allowance of Kshs. 16,000 and leave allowance of Kshs. 6,000.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the relevant online application form and submit a detailed CV with at least three referees, a copy of the National ID, academic certificates including the Secondary Education certificate, and professional certificates combined into one PDF document.

The combined PDF should be emailed to [email protected], clearly indicating BMA/26/CEO/PLO/11 – Principal Legal Officer as the email subject. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, 29th September 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Kenyan time.

Applicants must complete both the online application form and email the required documents to be considered. Physical applications are not accepted, and late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Bandari Maritime Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, inclusive and non-discriminatory recruitment. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, with particular encouragement to women, youth, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups and other underrepresented groups.