Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is a State Corporation mandated to regulate, coordinate, and oversee maritime affairs in Kenya. Established to ensure safe, secure, and efficient maritime operations, KMA is responsible for promoting and facilitating the sustainable development of the maritime sector while safeguarding national interests.
In line with its mission of regulating and coordinating the maritime industry to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment, KMA is inviting applications from qualified and motivated individuals to fill a number of positions across various departments. These positions provide an opportunity for professionals to contribute towards strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector and ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.
The Authority is currently advertising and re-advertising several roles, and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the stated deadline. The details of each position are outlined below.
Director, Corporate Services – KMAG 2 (1 Post) Reference: KMA/DCS/8/25/1
The Director, Corporate Services will play a central role in overseeing the Authority’s support services and ensuring alignment with the institution’s strategic objectives. The position requires a leader who can manage administrative functions, drive efficiency, and provide strategic oversight across finance, human resources, procurement, and other corporate functions.
Job Description
- Provide overall leadership and coordination of the corporate services directorate to ensure smooth operations across the Authority.
- Oversee the formulation and implementation of policies, procedures, and systems for efficient corporate services delivery.
- Manage financial planning, budgeting, and reporting processes to ensure accountability and prudent use of resources.
- Supervise and guide human resource functions including recruitment, training, performance management, and employee welfare.
- Direct procurement and supply chain management activities, ensuring compliance with public procurement laws and regulations.
- Provide strategic advice to senior management and the Board on corporate matters affecting the Authority.
- Ensure that information technology systems are efficiently managed and aligned with organizational needs.
- Promote good governance, risk management, and compliance with relevant laws and standards within the corporate services directorate.
- Represent the Authority in high-level forums, partnerships, and inter-agency collaborations related to corporate affairs.
Principal Ports and Shipping Services Officer – KMAG 4 (1 Post) Reference: KMA/PPSO/8/25/2
This position is responsible for overseeing port operations and shipping services within the Kenyan maritime jurisdiction. The role ensures compliance with national and international shipping regulations and supports the facilitation of safe and efficient port services.
Job Description
- Coordinate the development and enforcement of port and shipping policies, guidelines, and operational procedures.
- Supervise the monitoring of port activities to ensure compliance with maritime regulations and safety standards.
- Facilitate efficient cargo handling, ship clearance, and maritime trade activities within ports.
- Provide technical advice on port development projects and shipping operations.
- Collaborate with stakeholders including port authorities, shipping lines, and government agencies to enhance service delivery.
- Oversee inspections and audits of port and shipping activities to ensure adherence to safety and environmental standards.
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, data analysis, and recommendations on port performance and shipping services.
- Manage and mentor staff under the shipping and ports division, ensuring professional growth and adherence to institutional goals.
Principal Ship Surveyor – KMAG 4 (1 Post) Reference: KMA/PSS/8/25/3
The Principal Ship Surveyor ensures that ships operating under the Kenyan flag or within Kenyan waters meet established safety, security, and environmental standards. This role is critical in maintaining the integrity of Kenya’s maritime fleet and ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions.
Job Description
- Conduct surveys and inspections of ships to ensure compliance with national and international safety standards.
- Oversee the issuance of certificates of seaworthiness and other statutory documentation.
- Develop and enforce policies related to ship surveys, classification, and certification.
- Monitor shipbuilding and repair processes to ensure adherence to approved standards.
- Advise the Authority on technical matters concerning ship safety, engineering, and environmental performance.
- Coordinate with international maritime bodies to ensure Kenya’s compliance with conventions and treaties.
- Supervise and provide technical leadership to ship surveyors in the department.
- Prepare and present reports on ship survey findings and recommend corrective measures.
Senior Licensing & Seaborne Trade Officer – KMAG 5 (1 Post) Reference: KMA/SLSTO/8/25/1
This position is tasked with overseeing licensing processes and facilitating seaborne trade activities in compliance with maritime laws and regulations. The role plays a significant part in ensuring fair and efficient trade practices.
Job Description
- Supervise the issuance and renewal of maritime licenses in line with established laws and guidelines.
- Monitor and regulate seaborne trade to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Develop policies and procedures to streamline licensing and trade facilitation processes.
- Liaise with shipping companies, traders, and government agencies to resolve trade-related challenges.
- Compile and analyze trade data for reporting and policy development.
- Provide advisory services on licensing requirements and procedures.
- Coordinate and mentor officers within the licensing and seaborne trade section.
- Ensure timely handling of complaints and disputes related to licensing and trade matters.
Licensing & Seaborne Trade Officer – KMAG 6 (1 Post) Reference: KMA/LSTO/8/25/2
The Licensing & Seaborne Trade Officer is responsible for implementing licensing functions and supporting seaborne trade facilitation. The role provides operational support to ensure that licensing and trade activities are conducted efficiently.
Job Description
- Process applications for maritime licenses in accordance with established procedures.
- Maintain accurate records of issued licenses and related documentation.
- Assist in monitoring seaborne trade operations and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Provide customer service to stakeholders regarding licensing inquiries and requirements.
- Collect and compile data on trade activities for submission to senior officers.
- Support enforcement of trade regulations by reporting non-compliance cases.
- Prepare routine reports and correspondence relating to licensing and trade matters.
- Collaborate with other officers to streamline workflows and improve service delivery.
Senior Coxswain – KMAG 7 (1 Post) Reference: KMA/SC/8/25/3
The Senior Coxswain ensures the safe and effective operation of vessels used by the Authority for various maritime operations, including patrols, inspections, and rescue missions. The position requires hands-on expertise in vessel handling and crew management.
Job Description
- Operate and navigate Authority vessels safely during patrols, inspections, and maritime operations.
- Ensure proper maintenance, repair, and readiness of vessels for operational duties.
- Supervise crew members on board to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
- Provide training and guidance to junior coxswains and vessel crew.
- Support maritime law enforcement activities, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection missions.
- Maintain accurate records of voyages, fuel consumption, and vessel performance.
- Conduct regular safety checks and ensure vessels comply with maritime operational standards.
- Report technical issues or risks affecting vessel performance to supervisors for corrective action.
Application Process
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications in either hard copy or electronic format as outlined in the respective advertisements. Each application should include:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and transcripts
- Copy of the National Identity Card or Passport
- Testimonials and other supporting documents
Applicants must clearly indicate the reference number for the position applied for.
Submission Options (for KMAG 2 & 4 positions)
- Hard copy applications addressed to the Director General, Kenya Maritime Authority.
- Email applications (PDF format, single document) sent to [email protected].
- Postal applications addressed to:
Chairman, Board of Directors,
Kenya Maritime Authority,
KMA Towers, Mbaraki Road,
P.O. Box 95076 – 80104,
Mombasa.
Submission Options (for KMAG 5, 6 & 7 positions)
- Hard copy applications addressed to the Director General, Kenya Maritime Authority.
- Email applications (PDF format, single document) sent to [email protected].
- Postal applications addressed to:
Director General,
Kenya Maritime Authority,
KMA Towers, Mbaraki Road,
P.O. Box 95076 – 80104,
Mombasa.
Important Notes
- The closing date for all applications is Monday, 1st September 2025, at 1700 hours.
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Incomplete applications or those without the required documents will not be processed.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Successful candidates will be required to present compliance certificates from KRA, CRB, HELB, and a valid certificate of good conduct.
- Kenya Maritime Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
