KPA is seeking individuals to serve in the Artisan cadre across multiple technical categories. These positions require individuals capable of supporting hands-on maintenance operations, following instructions meticulously, and observing safety protocols at all times. The nature of the work demands a readiness to learn, a commitment to duty, and the ability to support various maintenance activities in a structured port environment.
Artisans in this grade may be deployed in any of the following functional areas:
A. Mechanical (Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Fabricators)
B. Electrical
C. Painting
D. Carpentry and Joinery or Aluminium Work
E. Masonry
Each functional area contributes differently to port operations, and the following sections provide detailed job descriptions as required.
A. MECHANICAL (PLUMBERS, FITTERS, WELDERS AND FABRICATORS)
Artisans deployed in Mechanical roles support the work of Senior Artisans responsible for maintaining, repairing, and enhancing mechanical systems, machinery, and structural components used throughout the port. Their tasks involve a combination of hands-on activities, safety-related routines, and record-keeping. These activities form an essential part of preventive and corrective maintenance programs aimed at ensuring equipment reliability and operational continuity.
The detailed duties include:
i. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out daily safety checks on equipment.
This responsibility ensures that all machines, tools, and mechanical systems meet operational safety standards before use. It minimizes risks and supports compliance with safety regulations in the maintenance environment.
ii. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out planned and breakdown maintenance.
This includes participating in maintenance schedules and responding to emergencies where equipment failure occurs. The work requires following instructions carefully and handling tools and materials as guided.
iii. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance data.
Accurate documentation is vital for tracking maintenance history, planning future interventions, and fulfilling audit and compliance requirements.
iv. Assisting Senior Artisans in undertaking housekeeping and cleaning of equipment and tools.
Clean workspaces and properly maintained tools are essential for efficiency, safety, and proper workflow.
v. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance and components production data.
This supports the monitoring of maintenance operations and production activities for mechanical components fabricated or repaired.
vi. Assisting Senior Artisans in the production of equipment components.
This includes participating in machining, fabrication, and assembly activities carried out in the workshop.
vii. Assisting Senior Artisans in welding and fabrication of equipment and infrastructure components.
This duty includes preparing welding surfaces, cutting materials, handling welding machines, and supporting fabrication tasks under guidance.
viii. Assisting Senior Artisans in tracing, sorting, and carrying materials from stores to the working area.
Material handling is a key operational function that ensures timely availability of parts and supplies necessary for maintenance tasks.
Artisans in the mechanical section play a supportive role that ensures maintenance cycles are completed efficiently, machinery functions optimally, and downtime is minimized.
B. ELECTRICAL
Artisans in the Electrical category assist Senior Artisans responsible for maintaining electrical systems, power supply components, and electronic infrastructure across port facilities. These duties ensure consistent electrical safety, equipment functionality, and availability of operational systems vital for daily port activities.
The duties include:
i. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out daily safety checks on equipment.
This includes verifying that electrical systems comply with safety standards and identifying potential risks.
ii. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out planned and breakdown maintenance.
Artisans participate in routine electrical servicing as well as urgent response activities when faults occur.
iii. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance data.
Accurate records help in planning, reporting, and ensuring compliance with maintenance protocols.
iv. Assisting Senior Artisans in undertaking housekeeping and cleaning of equipment and tools.
A tidy and organized work environment helps prevent accidents, especially when handling electrical tools.
v. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance and component production data.
Documentation supports monitoring and auditing processes within the electrical maintenance function.
vi. Assisting Senior Artisans in tracing, sorting, and carrying materials from stores to the working area.
This ensures that all necessary components and materials are readily available during maintenance activities.
Electrical Artisans play a supportive role in ensuring that electrical installations remain operational, safe, and compliant with technical standards.
C. PAINTING
Artisans deployed in Painting support the maintenance and preservation of port structures, equipment, and vessels through painting and surface preparation tasks. Their work ensures that assets remain protected against corrosion and environmental damage, which is especially critical in marine environments.
Their duties include:
i. Assisting Senior Artisans in selecting tools and paints.
This involves preparing necessary materials based on the task at hand.
ii. Assisting Senior Artisans in preparing work surfaces before painting.
Surface preparation is essential for ensuring proper adhesion and durability of paintwork.
iii. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out planned maintenance.
Painting activities are often part of routine infrastructure preservation schedules.
iv. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance data.
This ensures that painting activities are documented for reporting and compliance.
v. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording data of equipment status.
Accurate status updates help in identifying structures or machines requiring repainting or further maintenance.
vi. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out daily checks of maintenance defects in marine vessels, equipment, and civil infrastructure.
This contributes to early identification of areas needing repainting or repair.
vii. Maintaining housekeeping at the workplace and in the paint material stores.
Proper organization and cleanliness contribute to safety and efficient execution of painting tasks.
viii. Assisting Senior Artisans in tracing, sorting, and carrying materials from stores to the working area.
This helps ensure timely availability of necessary materials during painting operations.
Painting Artisans support long-term preservation of port infrastructure by participating in surface protection and maintenance tasks.
D. CARPENTRY AND JOINERY / ALUMINIUM
Artisans deployed under Carpentry, Joinery, or Aluminium work support the maintenance and construction of wooden or aluminium structures within port facilities. Their work contributes to the upkeep of buildings, vessels, workshop fittings, and various fixtures.
Their duties include:
i. Assisting Senior Artisans in selecting tools and materials.
This ensures that the correct resources are available for each task.
ii. Assisting Senior Artisans in preparing timber and aluminium before joinery work and painting.
Preparation may include cutting, smoothing, shaping, or cleaning materials.
iii. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out planned maintenance of woodwork and aluminium.
These tasks help preserve internal and external structures across port facilities.
iv. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance data.
Proper documentation supports monitoring and auditing of maintenance cycles.
v. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out daily checks of maintenance defects in marine vessels, equipment, and civil infrastructure.
This helps identify areas requiring repairs or upgrades.
vi. Maintaining good housekeeping at the workplace and the material stores.
Clean and organized work areas facilitate efficiency and safety.
vii. Assisting Senior Artisans in tracing, sorting, and carrying materials from stores to the working area.
Ensures that materials needed for carpentry or aluminium tasks are available when required.
Artisans in this category support structural maintenance and contribute to ensuring that port facilities remain functional and well-maintained.
E. MASONRY
Artisans supporting masonry functions contribute to civil maintenance across port infrastructure. Their work ensures that buildings, pavements, walls, and associated structures remain in good condition.
Their duties include:
i. Assisting Senior Artisans in selecting tools and materials.
Ensures preparation for masonry tasks and maintenance needs.
ii. Assisting Senior Artisans in materials preparation before masonry work.
This may include mixing mortar, cutting blocks, or preparing surfaces.
iii. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out planned maintenance of masonry works.
Such activities include repairs, patching, casting, and general upkeep of civil structures.
iv. Assisting Senior Artisans in recording equipment maintenance data.
Documentation helps in planning maintenance and generating reports.
v. Assisting Senior Artisans in carrying out daily checks of maintenance defects in buildings, civil engineering structures, and associated infrastructure.
This ensures timely identification of structural issues requiring repair.
vi. Maintaining good housekeeping at the workplace and in material stores.
Clean and orderly storage areas contribute to operational efficiency.
vii. Assisting Senior Artisans in tracing, sorting, and carrying materials from stores to the working area.
Supports smooth execution of masonry tasks by ensuring availability of materials.
Masonry Artisans provide essential support to civil engineering functions that sustain the structural integrity and safety of port installations.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
The following requirements must be met by applicants seeking appointment to this grade:
i. KCSE or its equivalent.
ii. Proficiency in computer applications.
iii. Government Trade Test III or equivalent from a recognized institution.
iv. Proficiency in seafaring or possession of a Discharge Book where necessary.
v. Fulfilment of the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution.
vi. Age limit of 30 years and below.
How to apply
Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications strictly via the Authority’s online Careers Portal by visiting the
Kenya Ports Authority Website (https://www.kpa.co.ke) > Careers > Careers Portal. At the Careers Portal, click on the link to
the relevant job and fill the prescribed form before submitting the application. Link to Careers portal provided below:
https://www.kpa.co.ke/SitePages/Careers.aspx
Email or hard copy applications will not be accepted. Only those applications submitted through the e-recruitment portal will be
considered. To be considered, your application must be received not later than 20th December 2025.
Kenya Ports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and committed to diversity and gender equality.
Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification