The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), a premier state corporation operating under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, plays a critical role in the regulation, coordination, and oversight of maritime affairs in Kenya. Established under the Kenya Maritime Authority Act of 2006 and guided by the Merchant Shipping Act, 2009, KMA ensures that Kenya aligns with international maritime conventions while strengthening its local maritime infrastructure and personnel capacity.
In pursuit of enhancing service delivery and operational excellence, the Authority invites applications from visionary, self-driven, highly competent, and qualified individuals to fill key strategic and technical positions across several departments. This recruitment is aimed at reinforcing KMA’s human capital base to deliver on its strategic mandate effectively and in line with Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda and Vision 2030.
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a strong sense of professionalism, integrity, innovation, and commitment to public service as enshrined in Chapter VI of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Office Assistant Provides essential support services such as cleaning offices, serving refreshments, dispatching mail, and assisting in basic clerical tasks. This role ensures a clean and organized environment, promoting overall office efficiency.
Driver Transports staff, documents, and goods to various destinations. Ensures vehicles are serviced, clean, roadworthy, and logs all trips accurately. Plays a vital role in maintaining the Authority’s mobility and logistics.
Deckhand Supports marine operations aboard KMA vessels by assisting with docking, mooring, line handling, and deck maintenance. The role is crucial in field missions, ensuring safe and effective maritime operations.
Legal Clerk Provides administrative and research support to the legal department. Maintains legal files, prepares documents, conducts basic legal research, and ensures timely court filings, contributing to seamless legal operations.
ICT Assistant Assists in maintaining and troubleshooting the Authority’s IT infrastructure. Supports network systems, software installation, database backups, and user technical support, ensuring smooth digital operations.
Supply Chain Management Assistant Supports procurement, asset management, stores inventory, and vendor documentation. Assists with requisitions, quotations, and storekeeping functions to ensure efficient supply chain operations.
Legal Officer (Board Services) Advises the Board on legal compliance and provides secretarial support. Prepares board agendas, minutes, resolutions, and ensures adherence to governance regulations and procedures.
Legal Officer (Legal Services) Manages contracts, litigation, compliance audits, and legal consultations. Offers advisory support on operational legal matters, ensuring the Authority operates within the law.
Legal Officer (Maritime Governance) Reviews maritime policies and legislation. Monitors compliance with IMO conventions and coordinates enforcement of maritime governance frameworks.
Office Administrator Manages administrative functions, including scheduling, document management, communication coordination, and support logistics. Ensures administrative efficiency in departments.
Surveyor, Seafarers Training Standards (Nautical) Audits maritime training institutions offering nautical programs. Evaluates course content, instructors, and facilities for compliance with STCW requirements.
Surveyor, Seafarers Training Standards (Engineering) Assesses engineering-based seafarer training programs. Verifies simulator operations, instructor qualifications, and engineering curricula alignment with global standards.
Maritime Labour Officer Investigates seafarers’ labour complaints and working conditions. Ensures ships comply with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and promotes decent work environments.
Search and Rescue Officer Coordinates search and rescue preparedness and response initiatives. Participates in maritime emergency drills and maintains SAR equipment for operational readiness.
Marine Environment Protection Officer Implements and monitors policies on marine environmental protection. Investigates pollution cases, promotes compliance with MARPOL, and engages stakeholders in sustainability efforts.
Licensing and Seaborne Trade Officer Handles registration and licensing of maritime service providers. Tracks trends in seaborne trade data and ensures operators adhere to legal and commercial requirements.
Merchant Shipping Fees Officer Calculates and monitors payments related to vessel registration and service fees. Maintains updated records and ensures transparency in revenue collection.
Legal Officer Provides broad legal support across departments. Handles disputes, drafts agreements, and ensures statutory compliance across KMA functions.
Senior Administration Officer Supervises administrative teams and manages procurement, facilities, and office logistics. Plays a key role in implementing policy and supporting cross-departmental needs.
Senior Maritime Transport Logistics Training Officer Designs and delivers training modules for maritime logistics professionals. Supports skills development in port operations, cargo handling, and shipping logistics.
Senior Ports & Shipping Services Officer Leads port operations assessments, shipping service improvements, and stakeholder coordination. Ensures safe, efficient, and compliant port and shipping activities.
Port State Control Officer Inspects foreign ships entering Kenyan waters to ensure compliance with international safety and environmental standards such as SOLAS and MARPOL.
Principal Accountant Manages the Authority’s financial accounting functions. Prepares statements, oversees audits, and enforces compliance with Public Financial Management guidelines.
Principal Finance Officer Leads strategic financial planning and control. Develops budgets, forecasts, and financial risk strategies while ensuring adherence to national financial policies.
Principal Surveyor, Seafarers Training and Standards (Nautical) Coordinates evaluation of nautical training institutions. Monitors teaching quality, institutional capacity, and alignment with evolving STCW standards.
Principal Surveyor, Seafarers Training and Standards (Engineering) Ensures engineering programs meet international requirements. Leads audits, advises institutions, and tracks performance of training providers.
Principal Maritime Labour Officer Oversees maritime labour standards enforcement. Handles complex labour disputes, policy development, and international reporting on seafarer welfare.
Principal Ship Surveyor Conducts technical surveys of Kenyan-flagged vessels. Certifies structural integrity and ensures ships meet operational, safety, and classification requirements.
Principal Surveyor, Search and Rescue Leads development of national maritime SAR strategies. Coordinates multi-agency responses and evaluates readiness across the Kenyan coastline.
Principal Surveyor, Maritime Security Implements ISPS code compliance programs. Conducts audits on port and vessel security plans, and collaborates with national and international security bodies.
Assistant Director, Training and Certification (Nautical) Manages training and certification frameworks for nautical professions. Oversees compliance reviews and ensures international certification standards are met.
Director, Maritime, Education, Training and Labour Provides strategic leadership in maritime education and labour policy. Engages stakeholders, oversees institutional audits, and represents Kenya in global maritime training forums.
 Hiring Now){kind=link}
