The search for Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director intensifies after the recruitment process lapsed yesterday and the board expected to start conducting interviews and shortlisting process starting next week.
Stakeholders drawn from different sectors are rooting for one with experience in port management, maritime, shipping and logistics.
“KPA is seeking to recruit an individual with a high degree of integrity and professionalism, impeccable administrative capabilities and strategic orientation to fill the position of Managing Director,” reads the job advertisement sent out on December 23.
The stakeholders said that the exercise should not be politicised and that due process should be followed to ensure KPA gets a deserving boss.
While advertising for the position, KPA had asked those interested in the position of Accounting Officer to have a Master’s degree in port management, maritime, shipping and logistics, engineering, business, social sciences, public policy, science and technology.
Candidates must also have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and 15 years of experience in port management.
According to the notice, KPA chairman Joseph Kibwana stated that the successful candidate is expected to manage different KPA ports including Mombasa, Lamu, Kisumu and Nairobi ports, and the Naivasha Inland Container Depot.
Acting MD John Mwangemi confirmed that he will not contest for the position he has held since July 2021.
This is the fourth time in three years that the government is looking to fill this position after four senior officials who have held the position have either resigned or been fired.
KPA has been without a substantive Managing Director since March 2020 when the then MD Daniel Manduku exited under a cloud of controversy as he had a pending court case.