Managing Director

About the Role

The Managing Director shall be responsible to the Board for the strategic leadership, management, and overall performance of Kenya National Shipping Line Ltd (KNSL). The position requires providing visionary leadership, ensuring sound corporate governance, financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, enterprise risk management, and the execution of the Company's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Spearhead the formulation, review, and implementation of the Company's policies, strategies, procedures, guidelines, Board-approved strategic plan, and annual business plans.
• Executive Operations: Provide overall management of daily operations, serve as the Accounting and Authorized Officer in accordance with applicable laws, and act as a key liaison between the Board and Management.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure prudent financial, human capital, and asset management, including the regular and accurate preparation of budgets, financial statements, and performance reports.
• Commercial Growth & Excellence: Drive commercial growth, operational excellence, customer service standards, digital transformation, and innovation across shipping operations.
• Stakeholder Management: Manage external relations, develop strategic partnerships, and enhance the Company's corporate image.
• Governance & Compliance: Champion enterprise risk management, business continuity, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and strict compliance with all applicable legislation and statutory requirements.
• Talent Management: Build a high-performance workforce through effective talent acquisition and performance management while fostering an ethical corporate culture.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least fifteen (15) years of relevant work experience, five (5) of which must be at a senior management level.
• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Maritime Law, Marine Engineering, Economics, Finance, Commerce, Corporate Governance, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Master's degree in Maritime Studies, Maritime Law, Marine Engineering, Economics, Finance, Commerce, Corporate Governance, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Active membership in a relevant professional body.
• Certificate in a Leadership Course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic leadership, corporate governance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Full compliance with the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and commercial acumen
• Corporate governance and financial stewardship
• Enterprise risk management and innovation
• Communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• High integrity and ethical standards

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their application enclosing a cover letter, detailed CV, copies of academic and professional certificates, national ID card, and contact details of three (3) professional referees, quoting Reference Number KNSL/MD/07/2026.

• By Email: Send a single PDF attachment to recruitmentmd@knsl.co.ke.

• By Hard Copy Delivery: Deliver in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the reference number to:

  The Chairman, Board of Directors
  Kenya National Shipping Line Ltd
  Imaara Building, 3rd Floor, Dedan Kimathi Avenue
  P.O. Box 88206-80100 MOMBASA

Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on 18th August 2026.