Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is a State Corporation established with a mandate to regulate, coordinate, and oversee maritime affairs in Kenya in accordance with the Kenya Maritime Authority Act of 2006, the Merchant Shipping Act of 2009, and relevant international maritime conventions. It serves as a cornerstone in enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in the maritime industry.
In pursuit of excellence and transformative leadership, KMA invites qualified, proactive, and self-driven individuals to apply for a range of vacant positions. This presents a prime opportunity to contribute to national development through the advancement of Kenya’s maritime domain. The following are the current open positions along with their respective job descriptions:
1. Director General
Job Grade: KMAG 1
Reference: KMA/DG/1/4/25
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
The Director General is the chief executive officer of the Authority and is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management. The key duties include:
- Overseeing the implementation of the Authority’s strategic plans, programs, and objectives in line with national and international maritime policies.
- Providing guidance on policy development to ensure compliance with maritime legislation and international conventions.
- Managing relationships with national and global stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and maritime organizations.
- Ensuring financial prudence, operational efficiency, and institutional accountability.
- Supervising and appraising senior management to ensure institutional effectiveness.
- Reporting to the Board of Directors and implementing board resolutions.
2. Senior Licensing and Seaborne Trade Officer
Job Grade: KMAG 5
Reference: KMA/RP/6
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
The Senior Licensing and Seaborne Trade Officer is responsible for executing licensing functions and overseeing seaborne trade operations. Core responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the issuance and renewal of licenses to maritime operators and vessels.
- Maintaining records of all licensed maritime service providers and ensuring compliance with licensing terms.
- Monitoring seaborne trade activities and ensuring adherence to maritime trading protocols and legal requirements.
- Liaising with regional and international maritime stakeholders on matters related to trade and licensing.
- Preparing periodic reports on licensing and trade performance for management use.
3. Licensing and Seaborne Trade Officer
Job Grade: KMAG 6
Reference: KMA/RP/7
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
This officer plays a supportive role in implementing trade and licensing operations under the maritime framework. The position entails:
- Processing applications for licensing and ensuring proper documentation.
- Assisting in inspecting maritime operators and vessels for regulatory compliance.
- Supporting data collection and trade analysis to aid policy and decision-making.
- Providing administrative support during licensing reviews and seaborne trade audits.
- Engaging stakeholders to support policy dissemination and feedback.
4. Senior Coxswain
Job Grade: KMAG 7
Reference: KMA/RP/8
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
The Senior Coxswain is tasked with piloting small craft under the authority’s management. The role includes:
- Operating and maintaining maritime vessels during operations, inspections, or emergency responses.
- Supervising Coxswains and junior crew on safety standards and vessel operations.
- Supporting marine patrols, maritime surveys, and search and rescue efforts.
- Maintaining logbooks and equipment checklists for operational integrity.
- Reporting incidents and ensuring compliance with maritime navigation protocols.
5. Director, Maritime Education, Training and Labour
Job Grade: KMAG 2
Reference: KMA/RP/1
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
This role leads the Authority’s initiatives in maritime education, training, and labour affairs. Responsibilities include:
- Developing and overseeing policy on maritime training institutions and programs.
- Coordinating accreditation and inspection of maritime training facilities.
- Managing human resource strategies for seafarers and maritime labor force.
- Representing Kenya in international maritime education and labour forums.
- Supervising staff involved in education and labor-related functions within the Authority.
6. Director, Maritime Trade and Development
Job Grade: KMAG 2
Reference: KMA/RP/2
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
The Director of Maritime Trade and Development facilitates strategic trade initiatives and economic development in the maritime sector. Duties involve:
- Developing and executing strategies to promote maritime trade and investment.
- Overseeing research and innovation to support trade growth and sustainability.
- Engaging with national and international stakeholders to promote Kenya’s maritime economy.
- Spearheading partnerships with port operators, shipping companies, and development agencies.
- Advising the Authority on emerging maritime trade opportunities.
7. Assistant Director, Training & Certification (Engineering)
Job Grade: KMAG 3
Reference: KMA/RP/3
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
This role supports training and certification of marine engineering personnel. Key functions include:
- Coordinating the development of engineering curriculum for maritime education.
- Conducting technical assessments and issuing certificates to qualified engineering seafarers.
- Facilitating the audit and inspection of training institutions offering marine engineering.
- Supporting research and development in maritime engineering technologies.
- Ensuring compliance with national and international engineering standards in seafaring.
8. Assistant Director, Research, Strategy & Planning
Job Grade: KMAG 3
Reference: KMA/RP/4
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
This position leads the formulation of strategic plans and institutional research. Responsibilities are:
- Managing research initiatives that support evidence-based policy and strategy formulation.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of the Authority’s strategic plans.
- Evaluating program performance and preparing recommendations for improvements.
- Engaging in economic forecasting, maritime trend analysis, and data modeling.
- Preparing periodic reports on planning and development for internal and external stakeholders.
9. Principal Administration Officer
Job Grade: KMAG 4
Reference: KMA/RP/5
No. of Positions: 1
Job Description:
The Principal Administration Officer ensures effective administrative support and logistics operations. Core responsibilities are:
- Overseeing office operations, asset management, and procurement processes.
- Supervising administrative staff and ensuring compliance with government procedures.
- Coordinating transport services, maintenance schedules, and logistics support.
- Managing the Authority’s office space, supplies, and communication infrastructure.
- Supporting event planning and stakeholder engagement logistics.
Application Process
Interested applicants are advised to indicate the position title and reference number clearly on their cover letters. Applications should be accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates, national ID or passport, transcripts, testimonials, and other relevant documentation.
Submission Options:
- Hard Copy: Applications should be addressed to the Director General and submitted to the Chairman Board of Directors via the designated application box or hand-delivered to the reception at Bahari Towers (Ground Floor), Mbaraki Road, Mombasa.
- Email: Applicants may email their applications in one single PDF document to: [email protected]
- Postal Address:
Chairman Board of Directors
Kenya Maritime Authority
Bahari Towers along Mbaraki Road
P.O. Box 95076 – 80104, MOMBASA
Important Notes
- Canvassing in any form or failure to adhere to the application instructions will lead to disqualification.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Successful candidates will be required to provide clearance certificates from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Credit Reference Bureau (CRB), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and a valid certificate of good conduct.
- All applicants must adhere to Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
- Kenya Maritime Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline:
All applications must be received by the Authority no later than 1700hrs, 12th May 2025.
